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Minneapolis, MN – The Hook & Ladder Theater is honored to host the “Mama Hellcats” concert on Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 p.m. This unique event will feature an extraordinary lineup of talented musicians including Annie Enneking, Samantha Grimes, Kashimana, Nikki Lemire, Haley E Rydell, and Katy Tessman hosted by Ann Tracey of Mostly MN Music. Each artist will showcase original music spanning genres from folk and Americana to blues and rock, promising an unforgettable evening of diverse sounds and soulful melodies.

 

“Mama Hellcats” celebrates the remarkable talent of mothers in music, offering a platform for their authenticity and passion to shine. These accomplished musicians will share their stories through song, delivering heartfelt ballads and energetic anthems that resonate with audiences. This showcase celebrates mothers from diverse backgrounds, including single moms, married moms, lesbian moms, BIPOC moms, and those raising young adults, tweens, and young children.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Mama Hellcats’ at the The Hook & Ladder Theater and to showcase the incredible talent of these remarkable musicians who are mothers,” said The Hook & Ladder Theatre. “Through the power of music, we aim to highlight the strength and resilience of mothers in the industry.”

 

In addition to the captivating performances, the event will also feature information booths and representatives from local organizations dedicated to providing support and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about these vital services and how they can make a difference in their community.

 

Tickets for “Mama Hellcats” are available now and can be purchased online or at the door. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, unity, and empowerment as we come together to raise awareness for domestic violence resources.

 

About the Artists:
ANNIE ENNEKING
Annie Enneking (of Annie and the Bang Bang), is a lover and a fighter. She writes unflinchingly vivid and nuanced songs about being a person in a world full of complicated people. She finds camaraderie, passion, collaboration, and joy playing music with Annie and the Bang Bang. Together, they create little drive-in movies you can dance to. Their latest release is a double album, RADIO BABY. With songs inspired by the 1970s and filtered through their alt rock lens, you can feel free to think Fleetwood Mac meets Nirvana or Heart meets R.E.M. Annie, along with firefighter / author husband, Jeremy Norton, is the parent of two young women, who recently launched boldly into the world. She treasures the GarageBand recordings she made with her kids when they were little. Those improvised songs are both hilarious and a testament to the creativity in the Norton-Enneking household.

 

SAMANTHA GRIMES
Samantha Grimes is a left-handed-upside down guitar player that pens catchy and thought provoking songs in a confessional style. Without adhering to one set style or genre, Samantha just weaves lyrical stories. She has been nominated for Josie Music Awards in the category of “Rising Star” in both 2022 and 2023. She has also been nominated for multiple ISSA Awards including Songwriter of the Year and Entertainer of the Year – and won in 2023 for Entertainer of the year!

KASHIMANA
Kashimana is a mother, musician, vocalist, composer, producer and teaching artist with a rich soulful blues voice that soars through their original compositions. The name Kashimana means ‘that’s their heart’ and you can hear Kashimana’s heart beating in the compelling sound of their music which is an exploration of Soul, R&B, Folk, Afro-funk and more. Kashimana often draws from their Nigerian heritage and experiences growing up in Nigeria and Kenya and living in the United States.

NIKKI LEMIRE
Nikki Lemire spins her life around her music, making space to perform in multiple fields and genres. Her songwriting features her expressive vocals over layered and hypnotic accompaniment. She dives deep into moving themes surrounding motherhood, love and loss. Nikki artfully shapes the music to her words, creating a sound that refuses to adhere to any one particular genre, somehow feeling old and new at the same time.

HALEY E RYDELL
Haley E Rydell is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist originally from Fargo, ND whose memorable melodies and honest lyrics have been making their way across the country. Although best known for her top-notch fiddle playing and her Christine McVie-esque harmonies, the Minneapolis-based artist has been quietly making a name for herself as a first-rate songwriter. Now, with the release of her solo album “Midwestern Daughter,” she shows why her work has been called “Absolutely gorgeous, like Patty Griffin sitting in with The Weepies” (Denver Westword).

KATY TESSMAN
With a voice full of the wisdom she’s gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable songwriter who celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. Soaring to new heights with her eagerly awaited album, “Fly” marks her return to the stage after a twenty-year hiatus while she raised her two sons. Hailing from Minneapolis, Katy is also an award-winning children’s book author, celebrated as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women’s Press.
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Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles: 7:30 – 8 (main stage) 

Kashimana trio: 8:05-8:35 (lounge stage) 

Annie and the Bang Bang: 8:40-9:10 (main) 

Nikki Lemire duo: 9:15 – 9:45 (lounge) 

Samantha Grimes Band: 9:50-10:20 (main) 

Haley E Rydel solo 10:25-10:55 (lounge)