Minnesota Music Hall of Fame All Stars Series
A wonderful MN-centric concept, exclusive for Minnesota venues. This is a coalition of musical artists who have come together to foster awareness of the MN Music Hall of Fame inductees.
The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame was created in 1989 to honor musicians, performers and educators, both past and present, who have contributed significantly to the musical culture of Minnesota. Established with categories reflecting the wide variety of Minnesota’s musical heritage, the artists represented are the best of the best.
The Minnesota Presenters Network was formed in 1992 and has grown to include its present membership representing almost 50 organizations of all sizes. MPN encourages membership from institutions interested in the exchange of ideas between presenters of all disciplines throughout the state of Minnesota.
Now scheduling performances for the 2026 - 2027 season.
Andrews Sisters Salute
Andrews Sisters Inducted in 2002
Julia Ennen, Elena Glass and Jen Burleigh-Bentz are Twin-Cities based actors and singers. Since performing as the Andrews Sisters for 'Christmas of Swing' at the History Theatre in 2021, these three have performed Andrews Sisters material at venues throughout the region. Jen, Julia and Elena also have all lived and performed in NYC at various times; Jen in 'Mamma Mia' on Broadway, and Elena and Julia attending New York University. All three performers have also been seen at theatres around the Twin Cities such as the Guthrie, Children's Theatre, the Ordway, Nautilus Music Theatre, and many others. They are always thrilled at the chance to get to perform together, and are grateful for this music, which forged a 'sisterhood' between the three of them.
Dennis Spears
Actor, Vocalist, 2008 Inductee
Actor, featured vocalist with Moore by Four, 2008 Inductee
Dennis W. Spears is a longtime Penumbra Theatre company member and has performed roles at Penumbra, The Guthrie Theater, Illusion Theater, Syracuse Stage, Indiana Repertory Theater, Hartford Stage, Ten Thousand Things, Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, Actor’s Theater of Louisville, Chanhassen Dinner Theater and The Kennedy Center. For his portrayal of Nat Cole in I Wish You Love, he received the Ivey Award for Excellence in Acting. Mr. Spears has performed nationally and internationally as a featured vocalist with the vocal jazz ensemble Moore By Four, and serves as Artistic Director for Legends Music Series at the Capri Theater, where he has contributed greatly to the Capri being named Best Venue for Live Jazz in the Twin Cities. Dennis is a 2013 inductee into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
Brian Wicklund
Fiddle/Mandolin 2024 Inductee
Brian has been an integral part of the acoustic music scene for decades. As a teenager, he won dozens of fiddle contests and has toured internationally with
bands Stoney Lonesome, Judith Edelman Band,
Kathy Kallick Band, Chris Stuart Band, and with Brother Mule. He is a busy studio musician and producer with dozens of projects to his credit. Brian wrote the bestselling,
American Fiddle Method published by Mel Bay and is in constant demand as a teacher worldwide. Mike Cramer–(guitar) is a champion flat picker and jazz phenom. Keith Yanes –(bass) is as comfortable in a bebop combo or a bluegrass band. Joel Arpin–(drums)grooves on cajon and trap set. Together they are synergy.
Jennifer Grimm/Judy Garland
Judy Garland 1991 Inductee
Jennifer Grimm is an American artist living and loving in the Twin Cities. She has been chosen as the vocalist for The Judy Garland Museum’s international celebration of Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday - her 12 piece group was the chosen featured entertainment @ that 100th Birthday Celebration in June 2022 and since then she has been partnered with The Judy Garland Museum, traveling with official artifacts and merchandise from the museum while on tour.
Jennifer performs regularly and her schedule can be found on her site, www.jennifergrimm.com
Arne Fogel
Vocalist, radio personality, 2018 Inductee
Arne appears frequently as a singer at the top jazz venues in the Twin Cities, and served as the opening act for Rosemary Clooney during her December 2001 appearance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Arne Fogel is familiar to many people as the host of “Arne Fogel Presents” on Minnesota Public Radio, and for over 40 years has entertained audiences with his programs on SiriusXM, WWTC-AM, KLBB-AM, KTWN-FM, NETRADIO .COM, and currently, KBEM-FM. Arne has also has written, produced and appeared in over two dozen concert presentations in such venues as Orchestra Hall, Bloomington Center For the Arts, Hopkins Center for the Arts, the Capri Theater and many other venues throughout the Midwest. The Nancy Harms show “Ellington At Night”, which he co-wrote, co-created, and co-produced with Harms, has been presented at Lincoln Center (NYC), Albert Hall (London), and New Morning (Paris). Arne has appeared frequently in singing appearances with Kathryn (Mrs. Bing) Crosby and has participated in countless “live” radio concerts, including three years as a regular performer on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.