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Artist Spotlight

Cindy and Tony Haedt, better known as Leavin’ Page Town (formerly known as Dram Shop Country), recently released their self-titled EP, paying homage to their hometown of Page Township, a small town in central Minnesota. As you might expect, they travel across the country to perform music, likely partially (if not entirely) to escape the harsh Minnesota winters. Can you blame them? As a fellow Minnesotan, I certainly don’t.

 

This winter, they made their way to warmer climates, ultimately ending their tour in South Padre, Texas. On their journey south, they performed at several writer’s rounds in Nashville, including the Live Oak and the Stillery, before arriving in South Padre, where they will continue to play shows during their visit. They are currently seeking locations around Austin, Texas, to schedule a few more performances before returning to Minnesota later this Spring.

 

Before embarking on their snowbird lifestyle, they finalized their EP with the multi-talented Greg Huberty, who produced the Leavin’ Page Town EP and also provided the album artwork photography. The cover features the Page Town Hall as its backdrop. Upon its completion, Leavin' Page Town held a sold-out celebratory two-day release party in November at Stones Throw Golf Course.

Leavin' Page Town cover art - photo by Greg Huberty
Leavin' Page Town cover art - photo by Greg Huberty

The Leavin' Page Town 5-song EP combines stories of life, love, loss, and hope through the ups and downs. It features a variety of musical styles, including a ballad and a fun, sassy girlfriend song. Cindy takes the lead on Tattoos and Chivalry with harmonies from Christine Passig, Liz Bernhardt, and Niki Koski. A story of nostalgia and life's adventures, Tony leads on I've Been That Guy, also telling the story of losing his mom at a young age, with the lyric line "Too damn young to say goodbye", Tony explained the vulnerability of the song as "Growing from your past and looking back at how you’ve grown, it's hard to put yourself out there for an audience to hear but it makes a better connection." The debut single Ride or Die lands 2nd on the EP and is complete with a music video.


Leavin' Page Town, I was so glad to catch up with you at Nordic Brewing. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, In a Country Minute!


Leavin' Page Town is adding to their tour dates consistently with a few of their upcoming Minnesota dates listed below


Lakes Jam June 26-28, time slot TBA

Sampaguita in Aitkin , Mn May 4




 
 
 

Writing music is a lot like journaling or even a type of therapeutic exercise to some degree. Songs like Midwest Sunset fall into the category of both things. Jet Jurgensmeyer co-wrote Midwest Sunset with Ericca Latza after a Facetime call for another song, checking her interest in his story idea and melody. Hoping that the momentum and energy of the song wouldn't diminish during the weeks between its inception and completion, Jet was pleasantly surprised to find that the final version captured his original vision, if not an even better one. The song compares a person to a glorious sunset, capturing the moment while watching it in its prime until it fades. They sit on the back of a tailgate, enjoying a deep connection while admiring the boldness and spectacular colors. The song is so personal to Jet that he was a bit nervous to write it, he sat on the idea of it for some time before beginning the process. It is an acoustic song featuring Jet on guitar, with John Willis providing background vocals and additional guitar. It gives you the feeling of a friend gathering around a fire pit, playing music together.

Jet Jurgensmeyer,  by Urban Hill Photo, click to see lyric video
Jet Jurgensmeyer, by Urban Hill Photo, click to see lyric video




(partial lyrics-Midwest Sunset)

"Wanna see a Lincoln sunrise

Bring out the green in your eyes

From a field that nobody knows

Backroad right through a map dot

Hair down shotgun jackpot

Kinda spark I ain't afraid to hold

When it comes to love

It all comes down to us

Couple a hearts on fire

Honey it's because


When I think of you

My mind’s running wild

To a tailgate view

The sky is lighting up your smile

Show you what I mean

Lay back in the bed

Let you shine on me like a

Midwest sunset"




Jet Jurgensmeyer is currently working on an acoustic EP, along with a full-production album. The songs will reflect his age and life experiences as a pre-law student, actor, and musician. Keep up with Jet on his social media and website for his show schedule.









Thank You, Jet, for catching me up to date with your new music and plans, In A Country Minute.

 
 
 

Release Day is an exciting day for every musician. Garrett Bradford said he was up at 5:30 A.M. on the morning of the release day of Watching You Burn, somewhat nervous about what to expect. To his surprise, he discovered he already had the highest number of online streams he had ever experienced on the morning of a release. (Congratulations Garrett!) Garrett Bradford's style is heavily influenced by 90’s country music and the storytelling of classic country songs. Watching You Burn tells a story of longing for someone you love to make different choices, but ultimately having to walk away when they do not. The steel guitar enhances the mood of the narrative, while Garrett’s southern charm leads your dancing boots onto the floor.


Garrett Bradford 
photo by Ted Parker Jr
Garrett Bradford, photo by Ted Parker Jr

"I tried to save you, I hoped to help

But you can’t rescue somebody from themselves

Like a moth, drawn to a blaze

I moved closer when I should have flown away

If I keep staring at the flame

I’ll never see who’s to blame

From your fire, I have learned

That I’d go blind watching you burn"



When I first saw the title of Garrett Bradford’s upcoming album, Honkiest of the Tonkers, I had to do a double take. My first question for him was about the title's meaning—"What does it even mean?" Garrett explained that the songs are part of a two-part set, written and recorded in Tennessee and Texas, separated by style and influence. Watching You Burn is one of the nine songs on the first set of Garrett’s upcoming album releasing Feb 21st, with part 2 releasing on April 11th.


Next up on my list was a burning question:

How did you land a song on Yellowstone? Well, that is an interesting answer. Garrett is a talented songwriter and singer who grew up on a ranch in Weatherford, Texas, he began performing at a young age. Garrett was hired by Taylor Sheridan to assist on his ranch after he moved nearby.. Taylor Sheridan quickly developed a close friendship with Garrett and his family. After a couple of seasons into Yellowstone and hearing Garrett's songwriting style. Taylor asked Garrett if he’d be interested in writing a song for a scene on the show. Garrett initially approached the song with a sense of nervousness, expressing that he “sat on it” before finalizing it. Subsequently, he produced an acoustic demo and presented it to Taylor, who responded positively, and within a few days, it was ready for the upcoming episode. A minute and a half of the song was featured in Season 33, Episode 9 of Yellowstone, significantly boosting Garrett Bradford's public profile. Since its appearance on the show, This Way of Life has garnered nearly 2 million streams on Spotify, an impressive achievement for his first published song, and has gained 60K monthly listeners with his 5 current releases.


Garrett, it was a pleasure to talk with you. Thank you for sharing stories and exciting things coming up for you in 2025 In A Country Minute. Cheers!


Keep up with Garrett by clicking the buttons below to connect with his social media.







 
 
 

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