Becca Murray & the Wildflowers, Luke Frees & Shadowband, Bear in the Forest

//---no times on events--- Formed in Fall of 2025, Becca Murray and the Wildflowers are a five-piece indie pop band crafting soulful songs about connection, growth, and staying true to oneself. Led by Becca Murray’s heartfelt vocals and reflective songwriting, the band’s rich grooves are driven by warm sax, keys, and guitar melodies to create music that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. Luke Frees & The Shadowband write songwriter-driven funky rock music. Strong melodic hooks, soaring avant saxophones, and a tight rhythm section give the band its energetic edge, while still leaving plenty of room for improvised dynamic jams that build to a catharsis. Their new album, The Shovels Beat The Sun, was released in July of 2026 on vinyl, CD, and all major streaming platforms. Bear in the Forest is made up of Alberto “Bear” Kanost (guitar, vocals), Joe Poznik (percussion), and Ry Swaty (cello). Hailing originally from New Orleans, LA, Bear currently resides in Madison, WI with his cat-son Osito (Spanish for “little bear”). Inspired and driven by music from a young age, Bear was fortunate to be accepted into the First Wave scholarship program at UW Madison. The training he received there combined with inspiration from artists such as Bon Iver and Hozier are just a couple of his driving forces as he works to create music rooted in personal experience and the trials and tribulations of the world around him. Originally from Madison, WI, Joe brings dedication and passion that started when he was nine. He began his musical journey with traditional African drumming, later expanding into drumline and full drum kit. A founding member of the Black Star Drum Line, Joe’s foundation in precision and discipline continues to inform his approach. Influenced by James Brown, The Temptations, and Anderson .Paak, he has performed with a range of artists—including appearances with the Milwaukee Bucks and Madison’s own Joe B. Banks—while always keeping groove and versatility at the core of his sound. Grown on a farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Ry grew up playing string duets with his brother in country bars and restaurants. Classical cello continued through college in the Keweenaw Symphony orchestra, including chamber groups and The Nutcracker ballet. A background in piano and inspirations such as 2Cellos make for a sound focused on depth and rhythm, while always listening and blending.