Join us as Ladyslipper, a vocally-driven, four-piece folk group, celebrates the release of their first album, Understory. Hear their message of resilience, connectedness, and cycles of life and death in nature, delivered in raw, resonant, and rooted harmony. Whether performing in echoing barns or intimate rooms, their music carries a sense of belonging that feels timeless, tender, and true.
Bloodroots is a folk/Americana trio based in Madison, WI. Marin Danz (fiddle), Rianna Straka (acoustic guitar), and Eva Paddock (bass) bonded over a shared love of female songwriters and began playing and writing together in the fall of 2025. Bloodroots’ namesake, a white petalled flower with red bleeding roots, felt parallel to their writing—pure, hard-edged, and far from simple. Bloodroots fresh take on a timeless sound is filled with sisterly harmonies and heirloom knowledge of shared stories.
Bear in the Forest is made up of Alberto “Bear” Kanost (guitar, vocals), Joe Poznik (percussion), and Ry Swaty (cello).
Hailing originally from New Orleans, LA, Bear currently resides in Madison, WI with his cat-son Osito (Spanish for “little bear”). Inspired and driven by music from a young age, Bear was fortunate to be accepted into the First Wave scholarship program at UW Madison. The training he received there combined with inspiration from artists such as Bon Iver and Hozier are just a couple of his driving forces as he works to create music rooted in personal experience and the trials and tribulations of the world around him.
Originally from Madison, WI, Joe brings dedication and passion that started when he was nine. He began his musical journey with traditional African drumming, later expanding into drumline and full drum kit. A founding member of the Black Star Drum Line, Joe’s foundation in precision and discipline continues to inform his approach. Influenced by James Brown, The Temptations, and Anderson .Paak, he has performed with a range of artists—including appearances with the Milwaukee Bucks and Madison’s own Joe B. Banks—while always keeping groove and versatility at the core of his sound.
Grown on a farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Ry grew up playing string duets with his brother in country bars and restaurants. Classical cello continued through college in the Keweenaw Symphony orchestra, including chamber groups and The Nutcracker ballet. A background in piano and inspirations such as 2Cellos make for a sound focused on depth and rhythm, while always listening and blending.