Loretta got MN State Arts Board grant!

Creative Individuals Grant

We're so honored to say that Loretta has been awarded the Creative Individuals Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board !! Over the next year Curtis & Loretta will be giving 8 concerts in rural communities throughout Minnesota, along with an outreach concert at a retirement home in each of these communities. 

The dates aren't all in place yet, but the venues, all committed, are all in rural communities: Bagley, McIntosh, Kelliher, Park Rapids, New York Mills, Dassel, Evansville, and Farwell.

More info will be coming soon!!

Lift the World is Lifting the World!

What they're saying

---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

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Appearing soon!

Previous events

“Golden Voices and the Silver Screen—A Night of Celebrating Texas Women"

Double Feature Entertainment Event: Live Performance by the Fabulous Folk Music Duo —Curtis & Loretta followed by a Screening of the PBS Documentary Citizens At Last: Texas Women Fight for the Vote, Directed by Nancy Schiesari, Produced by Ellen Temple and Nancy Schiesari, and based on the research and writings of A&M-Commerce’s own Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky.

Doors open at 6:30 for general admission seating. Admission and parking is free; no tickets necessary. Audience members will be admitted in the order of arrival until seats are full. Event will be held at the Jack and Lou Finney Concert Hall located right off Highway 24 on the A&M University-Commerce campus in Commerce, Texas.

Curtis & Loretta will perform their song, "Doctor Grace Danforth." Dr Danforth was one of the first female doctors in Texas. As a female doctor and a prominent woman suffragist, she faced overwhelming challenges. We heard about her, because she delivered Curtis' grandma back in 1893, and was a friend of the family. His grandma's middle name was Danforth!

Oct14

Dallas Folk Music Society

Dallas, TX

Private home, but definitely open to the public. Call Betty (please don’t text) at 214-557-2696, for address of home We play for an hour then members of the Folk Society jam together at the "Hoot." Bring your instrument, or your voice, if you like! $ 5 for “the kitty.”

Big Island Rendezvous

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Bancroft Bay Park, Albert Lea, MN

We're onstage Saturday at 2 pm and Sunday at 11 am. We're also the emcee's this year! Also on stage - Roe Family Singers, Sharon Martinson, Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner, and more!

Park at FREEBORN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS (1105 Bridge Av) and ride the free bus shuttle to the Big Island Rendezvous.

More info: 507-373-3938.  Ticket Prices: $15 for adults ($13 in advance), $9 for children 6-11 years of age ($8 in advance), Children 5 years and younger are free, Family Pass $35 http://www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org/rendezvous/rendezvous.htm

The Critics Say...

"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