Maygen & the Birdwatcher and Mae Simpson at Appleton Beer Factory

Maygen & the Birdwatcher
Maygen & The Birdwatcher weave a rich tapestry of Americana, blending folk and country with an eclectic twist. Named by the iconic First Avenue in Minneapolis as one of the Best Bands of 2025, singer/songwriters Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann lead a collective of talented musicians. Multi-instrumentalist Nik Pellinen adds depth with his banjo, lap steel, electric guitar, and vocals while Jesse Moravec brings a vibrant touch with mandolin and harmonies and Evin Haukos soars on fiddle. Bassist Joe Barron and drummer-percussionist Peter Anderson round out the ensemble, crafting a fresh take on bluegrass-infused folk. It’s a hyphenated hybrid that can come only from a seasoned—and tightly knit—band.

Mae Simpson
Growing up in South Carolina, Mae Simpson remembers her mother wearing out the records of Tina Turner and Patsy Cline. You can hear their echo in the music of the Minneapolis-based artist. Turner can be felt in Simpson’s fiery soulful voice, stage energy, and rock and soul feel on songs like Tryna be Right and Why. The timeless lyricism of Cline finds its home in nostalgic ballads like Cap Guns and Monsters.Mae Simpson is known for their high energy and stage presence that speaks for itself. Tight horn and Rhythm section set the tone, immediately pulling fans to engage.