THE GREAT NORTHERN

A Minnesota roots/americana band

Welcome to the Great Northern Web Site

 The Great Northern is a Minnesota roots/americana band, honoring the musical village where American rock, roots rock, blues, bluegrass, country, country rock, and folk roads meet and intermingle.

It consists of six friends and veteran musicians with who have come together to joyfully play and share the music they love.

The artists they cover are deep and eclectic, ranging from Emmylou Harris to Bob Dylan; Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard to Gillian Welch; The Band to The Mavericks; Lucinda Williams to Taj Mahal: the Grateful Dead to the Kentucky Headhunters; Patsy Cline to Bruce Springsteen; and Gordon Lightfoot to the Rolling Stones.

We hope you get as much joy seeing us play this music as we have playing it!

 

TRACKS WE COVER

Tunes

All I See is You

Big River

Can’t Let Go

Sundown

Mr. Charlie

The Hobo Song

Freight Train

Got My Mojo Working

Artists

Shane Smith

Johnny Cash

Lucinda Williams

Gordon Lightfoot

The Grateful Dead

Old and In the Way

Kasey Chambers

Muddy Waters

“Check out The Great Northern Band! Super fun, full of energy, and just downright good music. If you love music, you’ll love The Great Northern Band – and you’ll be tapping your foot and smiling the whole time.”

“Check out The Great Northern Band! Super fun, full of energy, and just downright good music. If you love music, you’ll love The Great Northern Band – and you’ll be tapping your foot and smiling the whole time.”

“This band doesn’t just play music—they light up the place. Their sound spills out like a back porch jam on a perfect October day: tight harmonies, foot-stompin’ rhythms, and enough heart to fill the whole vineyard.”  Forestville Winery & Event Center, River Falls WI

“I’ve seen the Great Northern Band perform many times and they never disappoint. There’s something  magical about their shows that keeps drawing me back.  You can tell they genuinely love performing together. They’ve earned a spot on my “must-see” list.  Absolutely recommended for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, well-crafted music performed with fun and genuine passion!”

“Live music is the antidote for what ails you and The Great Northern is the prescription!”

“The Great Northern is one of best and most versatile roots/Americana bands in Minnesota, and if you haven’t heard them you are missing out on something very special.  They have a great repertoire, outstanding musicianship and a winning personality!”

“What a great band! The Great Northern has a varied repertoire of rock, Americana, bluegrass, blues, and everything in between. A true delight!”

Upcoming Gigs

Friday, November 28, 2025
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Benedict's

845 Lake St E.

Wayzata, MN 55391

https://benedicts.com/location/wayzata-mn/

Thursday, January 1, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Driftwood

4415 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55419

https://www.driftwoodcharbar.com

Saturday, January 31, 2026
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Badger Hill Brewing

2805 Winners Circle Drive

Shakopee, MN 55379

https://badgerhillbrewing.com/

Saturday, April 4, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Driftwood Char Bar

4415 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55419

https://www.driftwoodcharbar.com

Saturday, June 27, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Driftwood Char Bar

4415 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 555419

https://www.driftwoodcharbar.com

Saturday, August 1, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Driftwood Char Bar

4415 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 555419

https://www.driftwoodcharbar.com

Saturday, September 26, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Driftwood Char Bar

4415 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 555419

https://www.driftwoodcharbar.com

PHOTO GALLERY

Explore our journey through our favorite moments captured on stage and behind the scenes. Enjoy the vibes as you scroll through our collection of memories!