Visiting artists The Starfolk, a chamber pop trio from Minneapolis perform for the first time in the Ely area on June 16 as part of their week long residency at Tofte Lake Center. “Chamber pop” refers to the distinctive use of cello in The Starfolk’s sound, and their acclaimed cellist Jacqueline Ultan is also the group’s connection to Ely.

“I first visited Ely on a residency developing music for The Sandbox Theater, and now I come back whenever I can. I fell in love with Tofte Lake Center’s beautiful juxtaposition of solitude and community,  so nurturing to creative work.”

Ultan’s dual cello lead group Jelloslave drew the largest audiences The Aerie Performance Venue had ever seen, and she’s excited to return with The Starfolk next month. 

“I love bringing a too-often backgrounded instrument to the forefront in diverse musical styles.  The chemistry we create in The Starfolk is powerful. These are melodic, adventurous pop songs with thoughtful lyrics that I think local audiences will really connect with.”

Ultan also looks forward to stocking up on her favorite Ely concoction: Crapola Granola.  “Thankfully now I can find Crapola at Cub Foods in Minneapolis,” Ultan says, “but I discovered it here first.” 

The Starfolk is: Brian Tighe (guitar, vocals) Jacqueline Ultan (cello), Allison LaBonne (bass guitar, vocals)

The Starfolk perform at 7pm Friday June 16th 2017

The Aerie Performance Space at Tofte Lake Center

2209 Fernberg Road, Ely MN 55731

218-365-7769

$10 Suggested Donation

www.thestarfolk.com

7/29/15 12:00pm enjoy a special outdoor concert by The Starfolk!  Info here.  The Starfolk will also be playing an intimate early evening gig Sunday 7/19/15 @ Honey 7PM with friends The Chinch Bugs!

review of The Chinch Bugs – Broke CD! (LMNOP Reviews)
The folks in The Chinch Bugs seem to hanging around with all the right people. Broke was produced by Brian Tighe, best known as the man behind the criminally-overlooked yet mindblowingly incredible pop band The Hang Ups (we highly recommend everything that the band has ever recorded). As if that weren’t reason enough to check out this self-released album, Joey Molland (of Badfinger) even plays lead guitar on one track (“Chardonnay”). The Chinch Bugs are comprised of Scott Wolf (bass), Lila Karash (guitars, vocals), Jenny Loupe (oboe, English horn, vocals, keyboard), and Jimmy Sexton (drums, percussion, vocals, organ). These four musicians are obviously driven by a love of pop music. Their music is simple, direct, and ultimately inspired. Instead of doing what is the norm this century (using digital technology to hide a lack of talent), these folks present their music using only the basics and they never bury them in overdubs. Sincerity and good intentions just ooze out of these cool tracks. Our favorite cuts include “Chardonnay,” “Broke,” “Lizard’s Dress,” and “Take Me Away.” Totally groovy modern pop with a cool consciousness.

Super excited that The Starfolk will share a night at 7th St Entry with Estonian Psychedelic Pop band Tartu Popi Ja Roki Instituut (Tartu Pop and Rock Institute) who will visit Minneapolis on their first ever U.S. Tour!  TPRI released a split 7″ on the great local label MPLS LTD (who put out the first split 7″ by The Starfolk + Typsy Panthre), and they have a new release available via our friends at Minty Fresh (Jim Ruiz’s label for his first two records).  They already practically feel like family!  Basement Apartment is also playing, don’t miss this rare night of music!

Tartu Pop and Rock Institute + Basement Apartment + The Starfolk

7th Street Entry, January 15 2015, 8PM

Intimate, magical house concert in South Minneapolis with the wonderfully melodic folk pop acts Fair Oaks, and The Starfolk!  Meet the bands, socialize, and experience the nuances of live music in a cozy new way.  Seating is limited, reserve your ticket here.

Six weeks after their heart-warming summer house concert series together, The Starfolk re-unite with effervescent singer-songwriter HOLLY at The Cedar for HOLLY’s “Maps and Lists” Record Release Party in Minneapolis 9.12.14.  Dosh, Anders Nilsen and MC Alan Church also grace the stage.  Don’t Miss!  Tix here.