---Our new album, Lift the World, is getting lots of attention! It's been played by folk radio dj’s across the U.S. and overseas. It’s on the Top Albums of October, November, and December 2022 on the Folk Music charts.
--- Track # 4,“Karmic Closet,” is on Don Jacobson's Favorites of 2022 on "Movin' On" on KBOO Radio in Portland, Oregon
--- “Song of the Soul” on Northern Spirit Radio said, “Minnesota's Twin Cities are teeming with musical talents, among them Curtis and Loretta. They've been making and performing fine mostly-folkish music for more than three decades. Loretta Simonet writes the lion's share of their songs, and her primary instrument is either the guitar or the folk harp, accompanied by Curtis' deep voice & rich instrumental skills. You'll find yourself uplifted by Loretta's upbeat lyrics & voice, as you might expect from a life-long singer & theater major."
---“I love your new album - such excellent new songs and music.” … Lilli Kuzma, Folk Festival Radio show, WDCB, Chicago
---“Thanks for sending your record. It’s chock full of goodies.” Rik James, Americana Backroads, KGLT Radio, Bozeman, Montana
This album spotlights our original songwriting with 10 new songs, many of which were written during the pandemic. Exhibiting the playfulness and pathos that are a hallmark of our live shows, this timely collection is full of songs that speak to our times yet feel like timeless folk classics.
Funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, this album was certainly born of the pandemic. After over 40 years of almost constant touring, we found ourselves, like so many musicians, stuck at home, with no work. During those days of canceled gigs, we had time and space to step back and view the world with clear and insightful vision, from the heart-warming, to the humorous, to the heart-breaking.
We are joined by wonderful guest musicians Tom Schaefer on fiddle, Sandy Njoes on bass fiddle, and Sera Smolen on bowed cello.
Stream, listen, buy, download, whatever you like, at https://curtisandloretta.com/music-store. It's also available on all digital platforms.
Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Plaza on Main - downtown Luverne at the corner of Main St and McKenzie St., Luverne, MN 56156
This concert will be held at The Plaza on Main - downtown Luverne at the corner of Main St and McKenzie St
Prairie Songs: Sing Along with Laura Ingalls Wilder
Free admission. More info - 507-449-5040
Prairie Songs: Sing Along with Laura Ingalls Wilder
Free admission. More info - 507-836-8778
Also on stage - Dick Kimmel and Dave Karma, Roe Family Singers, Sharon Martinson, Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, more!
LOCATION The FREEBORN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, this is where you park and ride the free bus shuttle to the Big Island Rendezvous.
The Interstate exit to use is I‑90 ‑ Exit 157, which is one exit west of the I‑90/I‑35 interchange. Exit 157 puts you onto Bridge Ave., which you take south to the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. From there, you ride the shuttle bus to and from the festival site.
"Loretta's almost operatic alto and Curtis' rich tenor form a lush, polished and varied vocal blend. The pair's instrumental interplay is equally compelling, with Loretta's harp textures dancing in and around Curtis' deft guitar and mandolin lines." ... Dirty Linen