Steven J. Schmidt Folk-Americana Singer-Songwriter
Steven J. Schmidt
Recipient of the Sally Irvine Ordway Award for Commitment, recognizing lifetime achievement, contribution and leadership in the arts and/or culture, Steven J. Schmidt has written hundreds of songs and each one is like a bottle of fine, bourbon barrel-aged stout. He performs his rich, full-flavored original tunes, crafted over the last forty years, at house concerts, coffee houses, brew pubs, wineries, performing arts centers & theatres, and festivals. A highly skilled guitarist some refer to as “a folkie with chops,” Steve is noted for his fingerpicking, novel chord voicings, use of alternate tunings, and playing up-the-neck.
Steven Joins the "twin cities songwriter rounds" Community
Rochester, MN-based singer/songwriter Steven J. Schmidt has been invited to join the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds and will perform as part of the St. Paul Songwriter Rounds session on Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at The White Squirrel Bar, 974 7th St W, St Paul, MN. This is a free event; performers will be paid on a freewill offering, pass-the-hat basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The White Squirrel Bar is handicapped accessible. Seating is limited is available on a first come-first served basis.
Schmidt has written hundreds of songs, and each one is like a bottle of fine, bourbon barrel-aged stout. He performs his rich, full-flavored original tunes, crafted over the last fifty years, at house concerts, listening rooms, coffee houses, brew pubs, wineries, festivals, and theatres. A highly skilled guitarist some refer to as “a folkie with chops,” Steven is noted for his fingerpicking, novel chord voicings, use of alternate tunings, and playing up-the-neck.
Since retiring from his “day job” as General Manager and Artistic Director of the City of Rochester, MN Civic Music Department/Riverside Concerts in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schmidt has composed over 40 new songs. In 2023 Schmidt was invited to join the Open Mic America community, a virtual performance venue and organization dedicated to supporting and growing the local Open Mic Community nationwide. Open Mic America is the "big league" for open mic performers and four of Schmidt’s Open Mic America performances are archived here: https://openmicamerica.com/performer/schmidt-S.html. Schmidt and his songwriting talents were also featured on the December 6, 2023 Music of America podcast archived here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f46bdc6e-45e4-45e6-9348-96d969d79365. His music was also the recent subject of a Public Radio Exchange feature entitled Steve Schmidt Creates Midwestern Songwriting Legacy.
Ken Onstad, President of New Folk Records (https://newfolk-records.com/), says about Schmidt’s last album, Heartland, “There could be no better title for this CD. With these songs, Steven has courageously opened up his heart and invited the listeners to experience an amazing reflection on some of the highest and lowest moments in his life. His guitar work is extraordinary; embracing the sad whimsy of a Nick Drake and the creativity fury of a Leo Kottke. It is a perfect CD for anyone who enjoys great guitar and great stories."
Steven J. Schmidt on "Music of america" podcast
Don't miss this podcast where Founder and Host of "Music of America" Tom Pollard interviews and highlights the music of Steven J. Schmidt. The podcast premiers on Wednesday, December 6th at 7pm CST. Here is what Tom Pollard has to say about Steven and his music" : "… a Midwestern heart with and old soul… I love [his] storytelling… I love how [he] tells stories with music… [he] just paints beautiful pictures with [his] storytelling… [he] amazes me… a fabulous songwriter, fabulous musician, fabulous storyteller… the epitome of what I like to see when I go to house concerts…”
Each week, "Music of America" features five different musicians from each state in the country. Week one featured artists from Alabama and will conclude in week 50 with artists from Wyoming. Steven is honored to be chosen to be one of the five artist to represent the state of Minnesota during the inaugural season of the "Music of America" podcast.
Here is the link to Steven's podcast: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f46bdc6e-45e4-45e6-9348-96d969d79365
Visit Steve's Media Page for More Video
Steven J. Schmidt on "OPEN MIC AMERICA" 3/3/2024!
Sunday March 3rd, 2024 at 5:00 PM PST
On our Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@openmicamerica
Here is the lineup:
Dan & Faith - Charlestown, NH https://www.danandfaith.com
TL Gayhart - Oakland, CA https://www.youtube.com/@terrygayhart3690/shorts
Jason Baker - Montpelier, VT http://jbakervt.com
Dave Fiebert - Wallingford, PA
Dave Irwin - Vancouver, WA https://soundcloud.com/user-394974888/sets/home-for-the-winter-21
Anne Sandstrom - Burlington, MA https://annesandstrom.bandcamp.com
Steven J Schmidt - Rochester, MN https://stevenjschmidt.net/
Rebecca Parks - Hayward, CA https://www.rebeccaparksmusic.com
