Sept. 21: Performance Series Concert Features Erik Koskinen, Molly Maher

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Halling Recital Hall

Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Music Press Release

MANKATO, Minn. – Acclaimed Minnesota alt-country and Americana musicians Erik Koskinen and Molly Maher and will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 in Minnesota State University, Mankato's Elias J. Halling Recital Hall of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, 320 Maywood Ave.

Hailed by longtime Star Tribune music critic Jon Bream as “the state’s best pure country singer/songwriter,” Koskinen authentically champions twangy honky-tonk sounds while delivering a wry, reverent, and articulate lyrical landscape of blue collar personal and social struggles. 

A native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Koskinen has been residing in Minnesota for the past 13 years playing and recording music full-time. Koskinen can be found recording or producing in his studio, or traveling across the country with his band in support of his latest CD, “Burning the Deal”.

“Erik is very much his own man stylistically. Sub genres are no use at all in describing Erik's music. Perhaps a new genre is more appropriate.” —American Roots, United Kingdom

Molly Maher resides on the border between the lands of Americana and the Blues and moves beautifully between them.

Maher has traveled the roads of the American music tradition and returned to sing about it with an authentic and sage voice. She is an incomparable singer and songwriter with compelling depth and soul. Her cutting lyrics draws from the deep roots of Americana music. Writing songs that ring true, her singing is a fine balance of deep and soulful, somewhere between Lucinda Williams and Bonnie Raitt.

"Molly Maher has done it. She combines simplicity and heartfelt melody and creates something that is equally haunting and hypnotic. I can't stop listening to her music. Bravo! " —Louie Perez, Los Lobo 

Minnesota State Mankato students are admitted free with a valid MavCARD. General admission concert is $10 (advance purchase) and $12 at the door. Those who wish to purchase tickets online should go to www.mnsu.edu/music/events or call the Performance Series office, (507) 389-5549.