Live on the Drive, Thursday, July 8

34th and Xerxes, 6 PM

The Sweet Colleens are Jeremy Greenhouse, Pete Sandvik, Dave Bade, Jeff Gram, and Dave Bille — accomplished multi-instrumentalists who together fuse their diverse musical backgrounds into a high-energy, infectious, and crowd-pleasing mix of “Celtic folk-rock and alt. county/Americana, with Cajun and Caribbean seasonings.” With infectious original songs, warm vocal harmonies, and fiery instrumental arrangements, the Sweet Colleens are winning a loyal local following and fans across the Midwest and beyond. The Sweet Colleens were founded in the waning months of the 20th Century when the band’s ex-pat Canadian co-founders Jeremy Greenhouse and former band member Dave Willcock hooked up with Minneapolis native Pete Sandvik (accordion). With the addition of a world-class rhythm section in bassist Dave Bade and drummer Jeff Gram, the band soon established itself as the Twin Cities’ favorite pub band and -- since the release of its debut CD Flop and its celebrated sophomore release half a mile from home -- has expanded its audience through shows and festivals in the Midwest and even a 2-week jaunt to France.

In 2009, acoustic and electric guitarist Dave Bille signed onwith the Colleens, rounding out the band with remarkable musicality and some hefty “chops.” The Sweet Colleens released its second full-length CD half a mile from home to a packed house at The Cedar Cultural Center. This CD showcases the band’s trademark musical dexterity with 16 tracks that draw on a remarkable range of roots music – sweaty Zydeco accordion, a raucous cover of The Pogues’ “Fall From Grace,” fiery fiddle tunes featuring performances by Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil, a ballad about Jesse James, a tender waltz featuring the Trinidadian steel drum, and a dozen energetic and raw alt-country original songs about love, life, death and everything in between – all pulled together into a seriously fun and uniquely Minnesotan sound. The Sweet Colleens are currently working on a third full-length CD release, scheduled for release in Spring 2010. Additionally, the band is in the process of recording a CD of original kids’ music, The Monkey Dance: All the Kids Are Doin’ It, featuring the celebrated Minneapolis Youth Chorus. A special release concert performance with the Youth Chorus is scheduled for January 30, 2010.

While the band has forged its reputation as a favorite in the Twin Cities’ Irish pub scene, the Sweet Colleens offer a wide range of musical backgrounds that have formed their musical sensibilities. Jeremy Greenhouse (vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica), has recorded and performed extensively with celtic, rock, cajun and country acts in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Pete Sandvik (accordion, piano, guitar, vocals), brings cajun and rock influences and classically-trained dexterity to his accordion playing with the Sweet Colleens. Dave Bade (bass, vocals) offers rock-solid bass during the Sweet Colleens live shows, and everything from bluegrass picking guitar solos to cello on their recordings. Jeff Gram (drums, steel drum, percussion) has recorded and performed in numerous rock, folk, and classical ensembles. Dave Bille (acoustic and electric guitar) brings fifteen years of experience playing diverse musical styles ranging from West African soukous to country blues and American roots rock. Together, The Sweet Colleens offer a unique high-energy roots sound.

Sweet Colleen's website.