April 6, 2023

Zach Pietrini’s Midwestern, indie americana songwriting aesthetic is the sonic embodiment of a well-worn denim jacket. At the forefront of the Americana resurgence, Pietrini—lead vocalist and guitarist for his namesake band—takes an everyman’s approach to the genre with a knack for honest storytelling and a wistfulness that comes across in both the music and lyrics. The band takes its cues from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and David Ramirez, reinterpreting and rejuvenating American roots styles through a contemporary lens. Pietrini’s songs “situate him at the confluence of all that an urban Millennial audience finds relatable” (Milwaukee Magazine), performing old-soul themes of ennui, regret, disappointment, and nostalgia with a modern twist.

Singer-songwriter Ben Harold, who has been writing since the minute he picked up guitar at 15-years-old, knew he couldn’t do it alone—convening with fellow Wisconsin musicians looking to start a band and Harold quitting his day job to pursue it full-time.

Harold’s upbringing in northern Wisconsin was on a small, blue-collar island called Washington Island. Sandwiched between Wisconsin and Michigan, the island is solely traveled to via ferry and mainly by tourists, leading Harold and his mother, brother, and two sisters to be isolated, and spending most of his teenage years playing chords–his dream of making music only being just that.

After relocating to the west side of Wisconsin, near Minnesota, and then back to Milwaukee, Harold worked several jobs in the industry and put together a few bands—but it was nothing like the feeling of making music himself, reminiscing on his upbringing where he was raised by a single mother who encouraged him to sing and play, influenced by bands like Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Dave Matthews Band.

Jesse Tyler Frewerd is a singer/songwriter and Army Veteran based out of Milwaukee, WI. After serving in Iraq in 2004, Jesse turned to music to help process the difficult experiences he had endured while serving his country. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that he had the opportunity to work with professional songwriters in Nashville through the nonprofit CreatiVets that he truly discovered his passion for songwriting.

Jesse’s experience in Nashville inspired him to write “Soldier Coming Home,” a song that transformed his story into a powerful message of hope and resilience. Since then, he has continued to write music that showcases his unique blend of rock and country and delivers uplifting messages of strength and perseverance.

In addition to music, Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife Katie, who is also a musician, and their son Dean, who was born in October 2021. When he’s not making music, Jesse can be found playing chess, watching MMA fights, or cheering on the Bucks and Packers.

With his exceptional musicality and thoughtful lyrical content, Jesse seamlessly blends his rock roots with country influences to create a sound that is both powerful and emotive. His commitment to telling his story and inspiring others through his music makes him a truly remarkable artist. Whether on stage or in the studio, Jesse continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on those who hear his music.

6pm doors, 7:00pm show, $10