The 14th annual Mid West Music Fest returns to Winona, Minn., on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. Set alongside the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, the event includes established and rising artists primarily from the state, with a few based in neighboring Midwestern communities. 

Besides supporting artists and Winona’s downtown businesses, MWMF’s mission is to offer educational, arts-based resources for the community. The “Teen Press” program gives high school students the opportunity to record visuals and audio at shows and interview artists. 

New Executive Director, Sam Thueson, says the booking committee — composed of local artists, venue owners, and studio owners  — attempts to plan a musically diverse lineup that reflects what’s going on in the Midwest. They listen to a few songs from all the artists who submit, then gradually narrow down their favorites. This year’s lineup features innovative artists in indie rock, folk, pop, punk, and Americana — and there are few hip-hop, rap, R&B, and electronica acts on the bill. 

Festival attendees may need to plan in advance to navigate the seven performance spaces spread out within a few blocks around the city. Highliners will play next to the water at Levee Park. Blooming Grounds Coffee and Acoustic Cafe are open to the public without tickets. 

Learn about a few highlight artists below.

Your Smith

The indie pop artist Caroline Smith, who goes by Your Smith, returned to her roots in Minnesota during the pandemic after living in Los Angeles in her 20s. Smith released the EP, Wild Wild Woman in 2019, and has since focused on parenting. So, it's been a while since Minnesotans have swayed in her presence. She headlines Saturday night with a full band, and in an Instagram post, announced her son will be there in soundproof ear muffs.

NNAMDÏ

Originating from Chicago’s DIY scene, NNAMDÏ stops in Winona after his tour across the U.S. in March and April. According to MWMF Executive Director Thueson, NNAMDÏ was one of the most sought-after artists for the selection committee to secure. With a catalog that goes back to 2013, NNAMDÏ’s set could be filled with his more recent blend of pop, indie rock, jazz, and hip-hop or, — if he throws in a few old tunes — the audience might get a dose of nightcore rap. The musician headlines Friday night.

UltraBomb

You may not have heard of UltraBomb, but most will likely recognize the bassist Greg Norton who played with Hüsker Dü. UltraBomb includes singer/guitarist Finny McConnel, who once played with the Canadian Irish folk punk band the Mahones, and drummer Jamie Oliver, another punk veteran from the British band, U.K. Subs. The group sticks with classic punk rock and will play for 21+ folks at No Name Bar at midnight on Friday.

Gully Boys

Gully Boys have become a Twin Cities staple in the years since their 2018 release of Not so Brave. But the group also received significant recognition outside the Midwest. In 2022, drummer/co-vocalist Nadirah “Nadi” McGill spoke to Rolling Stone about the challenges of being on the road as a young band. Speaking of road trips, Gully Boys are joining MWMF after a mini-Midwest tour in April. The band unleashed their latest grunge pop with the raging single, “Optimist,” in March, and announced new music on the way. Via an Instagram post: “A new chapter of Gully Boys awaits.” 

Mayyadda

Mayyadda, a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Minneapolis, refers to her style of folksy guitar, pop piano, and electronic percussion as “BlackGirlMagic” in genre. Her neo-soul vocals are gripping. Mayyadda’s last release was Try&Remember in 2021. Since then, she’s been anything but stagnant, playing many shows over last winter and fall. After MWMF, you can find her at Minneapolis’ Art-a-Whirl and Milwaukee's Summerfest.

FénixDion

Minneapolis group FénixDion is funky. The main collaborators, Keston Wright and Sam Bramble, released their debut album in 2022 after Wright spent several years playing with Static Panic. When playing live, the duo enlists help from others — Wright, Atom Lee, and Mitchell Johnson on guitar, Gavin Taylor on bass, Nii Mensah on percussion, and Bramble on drums — to reel in the psychedelic sound. The group announced a new ‘90s vibe single brewing with a tentative release date in May.

Popstar

Few people have seen Popstar perform. The fresh duo of Lars Oslund and Alec Tonjes, who also play in goth rock band Services, played live at the end of April at Jackson Flats on a bill with Killusonline and Heart to Gold. The act’s industrial noise-rock with electronic beats backed by Oslund’s singing/yelling fit in well with a crowd ready to mosh to some of the most exciting Twin Cities artists. Beyond MWMF, Popstar is a group to watch for when they begin releasing music on streaming services.

Hastings 3000

The solo experimental rock artist Hastings 3000 — who last released music in 2017 — is a mystery. He often wears a gas mask that “hints at humankind's loss of respect for air, food, water, fire, and earth,” and his costumes signify “the hypocritical aspect of human consumption, extreme capitalism, and excess.” His onstage setup usually includes a  homemade drum kit, electric guitar, smoke, and lasers. Who knows what he’ll do at MWMF.

Theyself

Self described as a "a panic attack you can dance to,” the DIY artist ‘Doc’ Pat Dougherty, who performs as theyself, shares soothing folk and blues melodies that are actually more fitting for stress recovery. If you want to know what they’re listening to, you can hear their voice over the airwaves on KFAI’s show “Desert Islands” on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Mid West Music Fest 2023 is Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, in Winona, Minnesota. Full lineup, schedule, and tickets.

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.