About
Minnesota Blues Legend Papa John Kolstad along with "Poppette" vocalists Amy and Mabel Houle perform blues, jazz, swing and Americana roots music. This collaboration also includes instrumentalists Michael Valentiner (jazz guitar) and Bill Smith (harmonica).
John Kolstad is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and performed as a soloist at the Smithsonian Bicentennial FolkLife Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and others. He is the founder of the band The Sorry Muthas who played across the country in the 1960's and 1970's. In 2022, he received the Legend Award and was formally inducted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame.
Amy and Mabel Houle sing sweet harmonies together, and have performed at the Minnesota State Fair West End Stage as well as many Minnesota Bluegrass Festival events.
The instrumentalists (Michael Valentiner and Bill Smith a/k/a Wailin’ Willie) play individually throughout the Twin Cities in various bands and light up the stage with hot club arrangements.
If you're feeling low-down and don't know what to do, come on out to hear some toe-tapping tunes that are sure to put a smile on your face!