Michael Betz

George Faber @ Pour Cocktail Bar & Bites
2023-02-11 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Pour Cocktail Bar & Bites, 9125 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN, 55330, United States

NEW DATE ADDED: Jazz Piano @ Mason City Public Library
2022-12-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
I will be playing one more date at MCPL since FELDSPARjazz is no longer available to play as previously announced.

Jazz Piano @ Mason City Public Library
2022-12-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Come join me for some jazz piano music in the Commons of the Mason City Public Library.

George Faber @ Falconer Vineyards
2022-09-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Falconer Vineyards, 3572 Old Tyler Rd, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
I will be backing up George Faber on keyboards in this performance.

Jazz Piano @ Mason City Public Library
2022-09-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-08-05 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-07-08 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Jazz piano music in the Commons of the Mason City Public Library.

George Faber @ Pour Bar, Otsego MN
2022-03-11 18:30 - 21:30, 2020-02-22 18:30 - 21:30 | Pour Wine Bar and Bistro, 15704 90th Street N.E., Otsego, MN, 55330, United States
I will be joining George Faber and his band on keyboards at the Pour Bar.

George Faber is a veteran Minneapolis singer/songwriter/performer with a colorful 30-year music career.
Born in Champaign, IL, Faber became deeply rooted in the Chicago blues scene. He spent years touring the country performing in blues houses like Kingston Mines and Wise Fools Pub, playing with legends like Muddy Waters and Lowell George. From there, the evolution of styles began; from a controversial glam rock front man performing to rock festival crowds and an early MTV video release – to returning to R&B blues roots and packing rooms from Chicago to New Orleans. Faber’s music has evolved blending all of these styles. His songs transmit the longing of a soul singer mixed with the honesty of a modern-day singer/songwriter.
His recent recordings have also been highly acclaimed in the audiophile community nationally and internationally. Stereophile Magazine reviewed his work as “intensely soulful, passionate and hard-driving with strong, powerful melodies” adding “his rough-hewn, gritty voice is the perfect vehicle for his down-to-earth songs.”

[Canceled] TCGMC in Mason City, IA
2020-04-18 15:00 - 17:00 | First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 1st St NE, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Note: event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
My piece Listen, commissioned by Dean Genth and Gary Swenson to address the issue of bullying, will be performed by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Singers. This will be the Iowa premiere of the TTBB voicing.
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In February of 2016, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) sang as part of a worship service at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City as part of their annual retreat. Although the sign in front of the church was vandalized after the chorus visited, the Pastor and congregation of First Church chose to offer words of reconciliation and healing rather than condemnation, while at the same time throwing their full-fledged support behind the LGBTQ community.
TCGMC will return to Mason City to perform a concert with all proceeds and contributions to benefit One Iowa North’s Craig W. Hickok Memorial Scholarship which was established to acknowledge Craig’s lifelong commitment to inclusion, education, support and equality in creating appropriate educational settings that are safe and individualized to meet student needs.
“The opportunity to confront homophobia and intolerance to affect positive social change in our region is critical to the work TCGMC aspires to do” said Artistic Director Gerald Gurss. “The Chorus refuses to let the actions of a few narrow-minded individuals keep us from doing this important work.”
The concert will feature selections from TCGMC’s spring concert, “Erased,” which will be performed at the Ted Mann Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus March 27th & 28th (tickets at tcgmg.org). The program addresses communities and environments that are in danger of being erased: from indigenous people and trans youth, to natural habitats – as well as our own lives. The Chorus will also perform the TTBB arrangement of a piece entitled “Listen” written by Mason City native, Michael Betz, a compelling work that was premiered by Mason City High School Concert Choir in 2018 to address the problem of bullying. Rounding out the program will be selections from a new and powerful song cycle called Stigmata, written by TCGMC Artistic Director, Gerald Gurss, which addresses the effects of stigma on the lives of people living with HIV every day.

[Postponed] Stigmata - A Benefit Concert by TCGMC
2020-03-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Note: event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
My piece Listen, commissioned by Dean Genth and Gary Swenson to address the issue of bullying, will receive its Minnesota premiere in a TTBB voicing for the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Singers.
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Join the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus for a moving and powerful program. This benefit performance is free for entrance, but attendees will be invited to make a contribution at the program which will be split evenly among the beneficiaries which include:
The Aliveness Project
Canvas Health
Clare Housing
Family Tree Clinic
JustUs Health
This concert will feature a new song cycle called Stigmata, composed by Dr. Gerald Gurss, that addresses through music the effects of stigma on the lives of people living with HIV every day.
The metaphor of the stigmata serves to remind people that we don’t need to inflict the horrible pains of social crucifixion upon the HIV+ community. Join us for this powerful program of music and reflection.
Thanks to Central Lutheran Church Downtown Minneapolis for hosting this benefit concert.

[Postponed] Erased: TCGMC
2020-03-28 20:00 - 21:30, 2020-03-27 20:00 - 21:30 | Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St S, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Note: event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
My piece Listen, commissioned by Dean Genth and Gary Swenson to address the issue of bullying, will receive its Minnesota premiere in a TTBB voicing for the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Singers.
Information and Tickets
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Featuring new commissions by Jake Runestad and Tim Takach, our spring concert Erased will address the communities and environments that are in danger of being erased: from indigenous peoples and trans youth, to natural habitats – as well as our very own lives.
The first half of our concert will also feature the local premiere of “Listen,” a compelling work for our Chamber Singers ensemble. The second half of our concert will address one thing we wish could be erased: the stigma against those who live with HIV. We will premiere a new song cycle called Stigmata, composed by Gerald Gurss, that addresses through song the effects of this stigma on the lives of people living with HIV every day. The metaphor of the stigmata serves to remind people that we don’t need to inflict the horrible pains of social crucifixion upon the HIV+ community.
Join us for this powerful evening of music and reflection.

George Faber @ Drake O'Neill’s
2020-03-06 18:30 - 21:30 | Drake O’Neill’s Irish American Pub, 9125 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN, 55330, United States

Jazz Piano @ Mason City Public Library
2019-12-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Piano music in the Commons of the Mason City Public Library. Repertoire will include jazz standards and holiday tunes, including some original arrangements.

Fringe Pipes, Northbound Giants, and Butter Boys @ Mortimer's
2019-11-24 21:00 - 2019-11-25 00:00 | Mortimer’s Bar and Restaurant, 2001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
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I will be playing keys with Fringe Pipes.
Americana-infused rock and roll team Fringe Pipes are thrilled to tear apart the Mortimer’s stage with stirring support from Northbound Giants and Butterboys on November 24th. Stay warm and compelled on this very special night of loud, melodic, exciting music, proudly presented by Guardian Angel Booking.
Doors @ 9 pm
Northbound Giants @ 9:30 pm
Fringe Pipes @ 10:30 pm
Butterboys @ 11:30 pm
$5
About the artists:
FRINGE PIPES is a band of drifters and ghosts from the other side of the fence. They attempt to operate a great number of instruments. They are also on the internet (world wide web) so you can search for them on there with your mobile device or smart tablet. They will not die alone.
With their tongue-in-cheek brand of pop-punk, BUTTER BOYS songs are upbeat, somewhat snarky, and full of singalong rockers. Versatile singer Katie Drahos goes from lighter melodies to full-blown snarl while delivering punchy synth lines. Joe Marxen’s jangly lead guitar cuts across a tight rhythm section by drummer David Garcia and bassist Ollie Nordman.
NORTHBOUND GIANTS is a four-piece rock band collecting inspiration from 90’s pop-punk, melodic guitar riffs, and a dash of blues. Northbound Giants is sure to captivate you and find yourself bouncing and dancing to the music. northboundgiants.bandcamp.com

Fringe Pipes, Nina Luna, and Dayton Hollow @ Kitty Cat Klub
2019-10-01 21:00 - 2019-10-02 00:00 | Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
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I will be playing keys with Fringe Pipes.
It’s fall, so what better time to thrown on that new flannel, devour pumpkin seeds, and sink into a local collection of songwriter-driven Americana and indie rock? Guardian Angel Booking is pleased to present Fringe Pipes at Kitty Cat Klub with stirring support from Nina Luna and Dayton Hollow. Free show 🎃
Doors @ 9 PM
FREE
About the artists:
FRINGE PIPES is a band of drifters and ghosts from the other side of the fence. They attempt to operate a great number of instruments. They are also on the internet (world wide web) so you can search for them on there with your mobile device or smart tablet. They will not die alone.
NINA LUNA released her first single, “Blaze,” in January 2017. The track debuted on Spotify’s official Weekly Buzz playlist and quickly racked up over 80k streams on Spotify alone. Since that initial release, Nina Luna has put out an EP and a number of singles, building a catalogue that highlights her talent for writing and producing sincere, emotional, memorable pop songs with a signature mystical, ethereal, even cinematic, character.
Nina Luna’s new single “Out of My Hands” (written, recorded, produced and mixed by Nina), out everywhere April 26th, 2019, marks the next phase of her journey. Fresh off of a recent two-week acoustic solo tour through the American Southwest this spring, her new music combines the depth and emotion of her classic singer-songwriter origins with her love for singalong-worthy modern pop hits and carries a sense of mature worldliness. While the sound is distinctly Nina Luna, the listener can hear and feel, in the lyrics as well as the instrumentation, her growth and evolution as an artist, a musician and a woman.
DAYTON HOLLOW are five people in Minneapolis.
Brought to you by Guardian Angel Booking (Zaq Baker)

Fringe Pipes & Admiral Fox @ Aster Cafe
2019-09-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
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I will be playing keys with Fringe Pipes.
Save your spot at AsterCafe.com
$5 Cover charges on the tab.
Fringe Pipes is a band of drifters and ghosts from the other side of the fence. Their flavor of Americana combines frontman Colin Loynachan’s earnest songwriting with stunning three-part harmony and a freight train of a band.
www.fringepipes.com
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Admiral Fox is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard dabbler based in Minneapolis, MN. His real name is Dan DeMarco. He used to make music under that name, and some other names too, but not anymore. His homemade style of recording and beatmaking recalls Neutral Milk Hotel, Fleet Foxes, and a lo-fi Radiohead.
www.itsadmiralfox.com

Jazz Piano @ Mason City Public Library
2019-08-30 11:00 - 13:00, 2019-08-16 11:00 - 13:00, 2019-07-26 11:00 - 13:00, 2019-06-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
I will be performing jazz standards and original tunes over the lunch hour.

Rey Ross with Fringe Pipes (Acoustic) @ The Pourhouse
2019-08-01 20:00 - 22:00 | The Pourhouse, 10 5th St S, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
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Fringe Pipes is opening for Rey Ross’ Minneapolis debut. Fringe Pipes will be appearing in a stripped-down duo set consisting of Colin Loynachan (vocals, guitar) and Michael Betz (keyboard). Chicago bluesman, harpist, and storyteller George Faber will be making a guest appearance with Fringe Pipes.
Rey Ross with Fringe Pipes (Acoustic)
Doors: August 1st, 2019 7:00 PM
Online Scheduled Ticket Price: GA: $5.00
After years spent DJing and producing Rey Ross (Ross Nevin) is finally stepping out from behind the decks as a singer and songwriter. Accompanied by Nate LeBrun on drums and Toby Martin on the bass the group produces soulful rock music that evokes Michael Kiwanuka and Bill Withers. This set of original music seeks to explore the most pressing questions facing humankind today while keeping toes tapping and hearts pumping.
Fringe Pipes is a band of drifters and ghosts from the other side of the fence. In this show Colin Loynachan will be riding solo with several carefully selected acoustic cuts from the Fringe Pipes catalog. You can find them on the internet (world wide web) so you can search for them on there with your mobile device or smart tablet. They will not die alone.
Doors 7pm
Fringe Pipes 8pm
Rey Ross 8:45 m
Purchase Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38179651

Jazz Piano @ Fat Hill Brewing
2019-07-27 15:00 - 18:00 | Fat Hill Brewing, 17 N. Federal Ave, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Our concert on July 27 will have you feeling classy! Mason City native Michael Betz, now living in Minneapolis working as a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, will be entertaining the taproom on his piano with a mix of jazz standards, original jazz compositions, and free improvisation. Michael has studied and worked in music for years and loves to bring his talents back to his hometown!
Please join us for this cozy afternoon show! No admission fee.

Yarp EP release w/ Fringe Pipes @ Honey MPLS
2019-07-02 21:00 - 23:00 | Honey MPLS, 205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
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I will be playing keys with Fringe Pipes to support Yarp at their EP release show.

Aliro Voices: Old Tunes in New Bottles
2019-05-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Royal Foundry Craft Spirits, 241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
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Aliro Voices will be premiering my arrangement of Russian folk song “Вечерний Звон” (“Vecherniy Zvon”) [“Evening Bells”], for SATB choir and bass soloist. I will be singing the solo part. More info below:

Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with an afternoon of folk music and cocktails! Hosted by Royal Foundry Craft Spirits, Aliro Voices presents “Old Tunes in New Bottles,” our second program focusing on folk and folk-adjacent music from around the world. Featuring selections by: Betz, Chavarria, Choi, Grainger, Harms, Holst, Lafontant, Larsen, Lyondev, Maiorana, Marrolli, and Smiley.
The concert is free and open to the public. Freewill donations are accepted. Please support our host by enjoying a beverage from the bar!
Learn more about our host (and check out the menu) here:
https://royalfoundrycraftspirits.com/

Fringe Pipes / The Key Kids / Riley and Howe @ Kitty Cat Club
2019-04-09 21:00 - 2019-04-10 00:00 | Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
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I will be playing keys with the Fringe Pipes.

Pony / Markov Changes / Emma Ruddock / Michael Betz @ Beet Stew
2019-03-28 20:00 - 22:30
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Intimate house show featuring folk ‘n weirdness interspliced!
It’s at Beet Stew (Jharms & CJ’s house). DM for the address.
Come at 7:00 to hang. Music starts at 8:00 (done by 10:30). BYOB.
I will be opening the evening with some synthesizer improvisations.

Zaq Baker Trio / Fringe Pipes / The Aftergreens @ Mortimer's
2019-03-24 21:00 - 2019-03-25 00:00 | Mortimer’s Bar and Restaurant, 2001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
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I will be playing keys with the Fringe Pipes.
Doors @ 9 pm
The Aftergreens @ 9:30 pm
Zaq Baker trio @ 10:30 pm
Fringe Pipes @ 11:30 pm
