The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

February 14 special guest:

Michael Monroe

From vinyl to digital, MN Acoustic Music Master (Star Tribune) and Emmy award winning Michael Monroe is now in his fifth decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 and recording his first demo 30 years ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary.

Michael Monroe

Michael’s unique creation of music leaves his audiences mesmerized as he blends his rich vocals, guitar, bamboo and glass flutes, combining musical styles of acoustic folk and jazzy reggae.  Michael’s original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative…music and technology working together powered by creativity… and he recycles his music LIVE on stage as master LIVE Looper since 1990. His soulful performance delights and inspires.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

February 21 special guests:

Jennifer Grimm & Joe Cruz

A dynamic duo with the tenderness of Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass and the rhythmic excitement of Tuck & Patti, Jennifer Grimm & Joe Cruz have joined forces to bring their passionate talents together on one stage.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

February 28 special guest:

Kathleen Johnson

Vocalist Kathleen Johnson is lead vocalist for “BKS” and “UNIVERSOUL”, founder of  “Musicians4musicians” and co-founder of “Raisingthebar, an Artist’s loft” a mentoring workshop that found it’s roots at “ARNELLIA”S!  She has performed LIVE at countless venues and studios such as PAISLEY PARK with local bands, National and International artists such as Prince, Alexander O’neal, Tevin Cambell, Jordin Sparks, Billy McLaughlin, The Petersons and The Steeles. She is a featured artist who gives of her time and gift freely and generously to many special community events, fundraisers.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

March 7 special guest:

Nicholas David; pc: Will Schwerd

Nicholas David is excited to bring his original music to listeners. The pull of the American South has been ever increasing in recent years, bringing this gifted pianist/singer/songwriter to the point where he can deliver, as he likes to say, “music from the heart for the heart.” Nicholas David is at this point through two related major events that led to this debut on Samantha Fish’s Wild Heart Records. David is a family man with young children who had a strong regional following in Minnesota, having released a steady output of albums and EPs over the past 15 years. He had begun to work on the songs heard on this album when he took a solo opening spot for the Devon Allman Project in 2015. David says, “We really connected on stage. Later our paths crossed after his mom and dad passed. After taking time off, he formed a bigger band and offered me the keyboard spot.”

A return to Minnesota at the turn of the 21st century prompted a more serious focus on his career. His 2004 debut, the Four Legged Light EP, was also the inaugural release of his own imprint, Wake the World, and began his prolific solo career. In 2012 David was invited to audition for NBC’s hit reality competition series, The Voice. Nicknamed by the show producers as the “Family Man”, David soon captured America’s attention with his outstanding vocal prowess and outsized personality. It’s fitting that, by the nation’s measuring stick, he nearly was crowned champion of The Voice. A Top-Three finish catapulted David from regional musician to international success. His recordings routinely charted on Top 10 lists for Billboard and iTunes, with over a million hits on Soundcloud, numbers that would take a touring band two- three years to amass.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

March 14 special guest:

Laura MacKenzie

Laura MacKenzie has learned from many tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic, and has herself been recognized as a Master Folk Artist (Minnesota State Arts Board). She has been lauded as a “Celtic music wizard” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a “High priestess of Celtic music” by Minnesota Public Radio.

In 2014, the City of St Paul declared “Laura MacKenzie Day” by official proclamation for Laura’s contributions to traditional music in Minnesota.  Among other notables, Laura has performed in extended productions with Frank McCourt (Pulitzer prize winning author of Angela’s Ashes), T.R. Knight (of Grey’s Anatomy, on stage at the Guthrie Theater) and Katie McMahon (of Riverdance). She also performs and records with Dáithí Sproule (of Altan), and with Billy McLaughlin.

Laura MacKenzie

As a player and producer, MacKenzie is often engaged for live shows and studio projects, and can be heard on numerous recordings and several documentaries. One of her studio productions sold over 580,000 copies. Laura both produced and performed in the popular and festive “Charladies Christmas” and “Gaelfest!” shows.  In performance, Laura currently appears as a solo artist, in duos with Dáithí Sproule, Gary Rue, Ross Sutter, in Willow Brae with harpist Andrea Stern, in the ensembles Laura MacKenzie and the Lads, The Frothy Band, Brass Lassie, and in SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin. Laura’s powerful array of wind instruments includes wooden flutes, many whistles, concertina, Scottish smallpipes, Border pipes, French Cornemuse, Spanish Gaita, Medieval English Greatpipes, Leicester smallpipes, gemshorn and voice.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

March 21 special guest:

Jeff Arundel

Jeff Arundel has mounted stages both tiny and large for forty years, singing wistful songs of romance, and funky stuff that belies his true wish to be Bill Withers. He has released seven records of (largely) original music, and in 2019 will release an eighth, called “Now We Go”. Jeff has won awards, been featured on various compilations, opened for Big Artists, and has traveled the world as a singer-songwriter, as a producer, and as a music director. He also founded the ground-breaking Lifestyle music label “Lifescapes” and was a co-founder of Compass Entertainment, at one time the Midwest’s largest independent concert promoter. Jeff performs with his band “The Hammsmen”, sometimes called “the most sensitive band in North America”. He regularly plays the Midwest, often with his lifetime musical brother Billy McLaughlin. Nostalgic, emotional, wistful, funny, edgier than you’d think, and maybe Better Than Ever. Now We Go!

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

March 28 special guest:

Chris Koza

Chris Koza is an acclaimed musician, composer, and performer living and working in Minneapolis. His musical influences range from finger-picking folk guitar to fuse-busting prog rock, though generally settle tastefully somewhere in-between. Koza’s storytelling and observations are thoughtfully navigated by melodies that migrate through the seasons and burrow through the earth, crafting melodically-rich vignettes depicting people and places who’ve fallen off the radar; who linger like ghosts above the river.

Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // YouTube

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

April 4 special guest:

Willie Wisely

Willie Wisely

Equal parts Minnesotan music scene veteran and Laurel Canyon devotee, Willie Wisely remains that rare bird mixing profound power pop with outsized stadium-rock showmanship. In 2021 he has launched “Watercolor Editions”, a year-long singles series and podcast celebrating 40 years of songwriting.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

April 11 special guest:

SOFIA

Sofia is a trio with Carin Vagle, Dean Magraw, and Timothy Frantzich. They strike a chord of deep love, reverence and beauty in their original songs, covers and chants. They bring together the popular with the sacred and dance effortlessly between them. Two guitars and tender harmonies harken to an ancient realm of communion. Heart felt wisdom songs.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

April 18 special guest:

Turn Turn Turn

Turn Turn Turn is the story of girl meets boy meets girl; a trio who bond over their mutual love of sweet harmonies from ’60s and 70’s country, folk and pop music and form an original Americana band.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

April 25 special guest:

Annie Mack

Lauded by artists like Taj Mahal, Annie Mack is a soulful singer and unflinching songwriter who writes from the gut and demands your attention. Although known largely as a blues singer, Mack branches out on her recently released (January 2021) EP Testify, mixing folk, rock and country gospel into her unique soulful sound. Digging deep, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she takes the reins as songwriter and producer. Already garnering significant attention in the national media, Annie Mack is an artist to watch and a voice that must be listened to.
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and The Church of the Lost Souls featuring members of SimpleGifts and special guests – twelve consecutive Sundays, 4:30pm, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Livestreaming every week – socially distanced in-person tickets available online starting 8am CST Friday, Jan. 22 here! $29 in advance; $39 at the door

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

May 2 special guest:

Peter Mayer

Minnesota’s Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for 25 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet–songs about interconnectedness and the human journey–songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and even love and freight trains just like a good folk musician should. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters.

What is Church of the Lost Souls?

It’s not really a church. And you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in. But a new livestream concert series hopes to raise spirits and share the love beginning on Valentine’s Day. The Parkway Theater presents Billy McLaughlin and “The Church of the Lost Souls,” featuring members of SimpleGifts (versatile singers Kathleen Johnson, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, Celtic multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie) and cool Special Guests for 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST, February 14 through May 2, 2021. Special guests will play a 15-minute set mid-concert followed by closing numbers by Billy and the band. For more information on this new project and performances, click here!

Mother’s Day in Marine

SimpleGifts invites you to our new year-round show titled: The Young and The Rest… an acoustic tribute to Neil Young and the rest of your favorite artists who defined an era and whose popularity endures – Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, America and more.

May 9, 2021 – Sunday 4:30pm – Marine-on-St-Croix, MN
Marine-on-St-Croix City Hall
121 Judd St, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047

$35 general advance / $40 door
$30 senior advance (65+) / $35 door

Limited to 100 seat capacity due to social distancing precautions.

In-person tickets available online until 12pm day-of show; if any tickets remain after online sales close, they will be available for purchase at the door.

Livestream viewing needs no ticket or reservation – we use a “pay-what-you-can” donation approach. Donate here!

General admission.

Doors open at 4:00pm.

Please contact info@simplegiftsmusic.net if you have any questions.

SimpleGifts invites you to our new year-round show titled: The Young and The Rest… an acoustic tribute to Neil Young and the rest of your favorite artists who defined an era and whose popularity endures – Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, America and more.

August 29, 2021 / Sunday 6:30pm – Stillwater, MN

The Zephyr Theatre – Outdoor event
601 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-342-1542 / Venue Website

$25 advance / $30 door

On sale now! Online tickets available here until 12:00PM day-of show. Tickets will then be available at the door.

General admission.

“Doors” open at 5:30pm.

** Please note – if this event needs to be postponed due to weather, you will be notified via email by 12:00PM day-of show. In this email you will also be given the new date to which this event will be postponed. **

Postponed until 2022

SimpleGifts invites you to our new year-round show titled: The Young and The Rest… an acoustic tribute to Neil Young and the rest of your favorite artists who defined an era and whose popularity endures – Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, America and more.

September 24, 2021 / Friday 7:30pm – Marine-On-St-Croix, MN
Marine-On-St-Croix City Hall
121 Judd St, Marine-On-St-Croix, MN 55082

Doors open at 6:45pm.

Postponed until 2022

SimpleGifts invites you to our new year-round show titled: The Young and The Rest… an acoustic tribute to Neil Young and the rest of your favorite artists who defined an era and whose popularity endures – Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, America and more.

September 26, 2021 / Sunday 2:00pm – Bloomington, MN

Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center
11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437
952-948-6500 / Venue Website

Adult $38.00
Senior $34.00
MMH Resident $32.00
Heritage Society Member $32.00
Group 10+: $32.00

Simplegifts “Christmas From Marine” Pay-per-view Concert Launches Early – Available Now!

We just couldn’t wait until December 23rd to share this terrific performance featuring joyful SimpleGifts favorites captured with multi-cameras in high-def. Thanks to Steve Keller at ProMediaProductions for getting this virtual concert recording ready to share early! We plan on performing live next season but want to share our very best moments to celebrate this year with you at home.

bestchristmasconcert.com