Dakota

John Prine Songs & Souvenirs
2025-09-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
A big old goofy evening with John Prine’s faithful long-time sidemen, Dave and Jason.

If you’re a Prine fan, you’ll love hearing them share memories of their beloved, one-of-a-kind friend and boss. Also, they will perform some of John’s classic songs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Hello in There Foundation.
As John Prine‘s lead guitarist and musical director for twenty-four years, Jason Wilber gained a unique perspective on music and life. He worked closely with Mr. Prine on stage and in the studio, collaborating on some truly timeless performances and recordings. Jason’s own albums and performances feature humorous stories from his Prine years. Also, these are contrasted with touching and insightful reflections on life’s mysteries. On his most recent album, Time Traveler, he explores how we will maintain our humanity in the face of our ever-expanding technologies. Jason Wilber has been named an “Artist You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone.
Dave Jacques toured with John Prine for twenty-five years. His distinctive bass playing can be heard on John’s The Tree of Forgiveness and Grammy-winning Fair and Square. Additionally, Jacques appears on For Better, Or Worse, In Person & On Stage, Standard Songs for Average People, Souvenirs, In Spite of Ourselves and Live on Tour. In addition to his work with John, Dave has toured and/or recorded with Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, and Iris Dement. Also, Steve Forbert, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown, Rodney Crowell, Kevin Gordon, Jason Wilber, and Jimmy Rankin. Additionally, Jeff Black, Greg Trooper, Todd Snider, and many more.
Recommended for fans of John Prine, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder and Kris Kristofferson.

Tim Sparks, Tom Lieberman & Ben Abrahamson
2025-09-30 19:00 - 21:00
“He’s one of the best musicians I know” – Leo Kottke

A special show of duos, celebrating the versatility and dynamic range of the acoustic guitar! Guitar guru Tim Sparks will play a set with jazz and flamenco rising star Ben Abrahamson. Then, he will play a set with folk blues guitarist and longtime Rio Nido bandmate Tom Lieberman.
Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a ground-breaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Equally at home with country, blues, jazz or global music, Sparks’s extraordinary ability has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.
Ben Abrahamson is a fresh, dynamic voice on the acoustic guitar. His compositions evoke the dexterity of flamenco and the harmonic storytelling of jazz. His passion for flamenco guitar drove him to Taller de Músics School of Music in Barcelona. There, he studied under Juan Ramón Caro. He has composed works for the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, Mac Jazz big band, and more. Furthermore, Ben has shared the stage with mentors like Michael and Tony Hauser, Susana di Palma, La Conja, and Chuscales.
As creative director and producer, Tom Lieberman has contributed to productions that have received numerous awards of distinction. As a guitarist, Tom has performed all over the country, including a ten-year run on A Prairie Home Companion (he was replaced by Chet Atkins). In addition to Rio Nido, Tom performs both as a solo artist, and with his group, Tommy & The Liebermen. His 2013 album, Common Denominator, made Star Tribune’s Top Ten list for the year. It was described as “bluesy, simmering, profoundly philosophical” and “a charming, eclectic album of original songs.”
Recommended for fans of Leo Kottke, Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell and Rio Nido.
