John McAndrew Will Perform Songs From His Latest Album!

John McAndrew’s music has captivated audiences worldwide, featured in national events and films. His albums Forgiven and Souls were Grammy contenders in Roots Gospel and Americana, and his latest, Better Side of Me, arrives in May 2025.

A storyteller at heart, McAndrew’s soulful voice and inspiring songs reflect his journey of redemption and resilience. After honing his craft in solo piano, jazz, and blues gigs, he landed a major recording contract at Muscle Shoals Sound, leading to multiple albums recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville. His music appears in films like Jesus, Mary and Joey and Little Red Wagon, and his song Birmingham is featured at the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum. He also earned acclaim for his one-man Off-Broadway show.

Critics call Better Side of Me some of his most powerful work yet.

Brian "Zoot" Simonds, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, has spent 50 years performing with a diverse array of musicians. A featured soloist for The Green Bay Packer Big Band during his college years, he later toured nationally with the Glenn Miller Big Band Review and internationally with Blue Chamber. After working with Carnival Cruise Lines, he settled in Minneapolis, collaborating with artists such as Percy Strother, Mick Sterling, Davina and The Vagabonds, and John McAndrew. Zoot has also done contract work for top corporate, wedding, and show bands. He now resides in a rural area north of the Twin Cities.

Percussionist Joe began his performance career with Little Bobby E and  The Night Owls in the 1990s.  As an original member of Café Accordion  Orchestra for the past 25 years, he played gigs in Vienna, Austria and  at Lincoln Center in New York City, and continues performing regularly  around town including several appearances at the Minnesota State Fair.   He also plays in Jazz Savvy, a jazz trio which is a favorite band for  corporate and party gigs, and with Dorothy Doring and Swingin' On A  Star, a favorite of the local swing dancer scene. Joe also spent many  years in the record business which brought him from Kansas City to the  Twin Cities over 30 years ago. Joe currently enjoys playing music full  time after paying his dues as a car mechanic. Ask him about his vinyl  jazz record collection. 

With a long-standing dedication to traditional music, Wright's  background spans many different musical styles including blues, fusion,  pop Latin and rock. By incorporating all these influences, Wright has  his own unique approach to the folk and folk rock genres. This is  evident in his tasteful acoustic guitar and bass work. Other recent  music endeavors include The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and his work as a  producer, arranger and engineer at The Villa Studio in Savage, MN.