The Hootenanny is a free-form folk music jam session started in 2006 by musician Jim Walsh that brings together local legends, touring acts, and unknown artists. Photographer Tony Nelson began documenting the Hootenanny performances and created portraits of the performers away from the venue. Nelson's exhibition will debut these portraits alongside his live shots from the Hootenannys to provide context. An opening reception for the exhibition will be followed by a Hootenanny performance at the Red Stag Supperclub.

1.
'Hootenanny: A Community'
June 18, 2009
It was back in 2006 that writer/musician Jim Walsh first rounded
up an eclectic group of local legends, up-and-coming touring acts and
complete unknowns for what would come to be the free-form folkie
jam session known as the Hootenanny. Fortunately, local
photographer (and occasional Vita.mn contributor) Tony Nelson
was there at the beginning to capture it all. Eventually, he took it a
step further and began shooting portraits of many of the performers
away from the Hoot in their own spaces, and Nelson will debut the
fruits of these sessions at this photo exhibition. For added context
and character, Nelson's live shots from the Hoots will be displayed
next to the portraits. If you've yet to experience a Hootenanny, join
Walsh (aka the Mad Ripple) and Nelson next door at the Red Stag
Supperclub immediately following the opening reception. (6-11 p.m.
Fri., free.)
Photo by Tony Nelson
Billy Bragg, Minneapolis, 2008
-Jahna Peloquin