West Channel Music announced today that singer/songwriter/guitarist Steven J. Schmidt will hold an album release concert for his new project entitled The Driftless Sessions on Saturday, September 6, 2025, beginning at 7:00 pm at The History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive in Rochester, MN. The concert will be a fundraiser for The History Center. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased through The History Center’s website here. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door. The concert will be a rain-or-shine event and take place under a large tent. Seating will be at picnic tables and concertgoers may carry in their own coolers.
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, 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.
Schmidt is the former Artistic Director and General Manager of the City of Rochester Civic Music Department where, for nearly 33 years, he conceived, initiated, and programmed such popular programs as the Down by the Riverside, Riverside Live!, World Music, and ForWard concert series. He has been focusing on his own music-making since retiring from public service in 2021. Recognized for his lifetime achievement, contribution, and leadership to the arts in Minnesota with a Sally Ordway Commitment Award, Schmidt has been busy writing new songs and performing at various venues across the upper-Midwest.
Schmidt has produced a series of YouTube videos entitled A Songwriters Craft with background information on and solo performances of material from The Driftless Sessions album that may be viewed at @StevenJSchmidtSongwriter.
Schmidt’s music has been featured in a PBS-affiliate KSMQ-TV's Off 90 segment, KBEM’s “Twin Cities Weekend” broadcast entitled “Steve Schmidt Creates Midwestern Songwriting Legacy, several “Open Mic America” segments, and a “Music of America” podcast.
Two-Time GRAMMY® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer write, “Beautiful imagery and guitar playing!” about Steven’s 2023 National Public Radio “Tiny Desk Concert” submission, “The Witch of the Reeds”. Ken Onstad, President of New Folk Records, says about Steve’s Heartland album, “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 creative fury of a Leo Kottke. It is a perfect CD for anyone who enjoys great guitar and great stories."
Joining Schmidt on stage will be Dan Neale, one of the Minnesota’s most adored pickers who is known for his soulful guitar playing and undeniable stage presence. Neale was a regular contributor on Garrison Keillor’s renowned radio show A Prairie Home Companion. In his role with the All Star Shoe Band, he accompanied renowned artists including Emmylou Harris, Leo Kottke, Shawn Colvin and Dr. John. Neale’s impressive resume includes sharing the stage with legendary blues artist Bo Diddley and backing music icons Graham Nash and Wanda Jackson. During the 50th Anniversary Buddy Holly Tributeat the Surf Ballroom Neale performed alongside such notable musicians as Chuck Leavell (keyboardist for The Rolling Stones), Hutch Hutchinson (bassist for Bonnie Raitt), and Kenny Arnoff (drummer for John Mellencamp). Neale often travels to Nashville, TN where he is in demand as a session player for various producers and artists.
Also appearing with Schmidt will be John Wright on acoustic and electric bass. Wright’s versatility on the instrument has led him to play alongside a range of artists, from Pop Fusion/New Age guitarist Billy McLaughlin to Blues and Soul legend Mick Sterling. He also spent four years performing with Minnesota pop star Tim Mahoney. In 1999, John co-founded the critically acclaimed Celtic/American Folk-Rock trio, Lehto & Wright (https://lehtoandwright.com/). John’s musical journey has spanned multiple genres, including Prog Rock with his own band, US, whose debut recording even made the cover of College Music Journal. Wright is a highly sought after recording engineer and producer with nearly 100 full-length recordings and countless sessions under his belt and co-produced Schmidt’s “The Driftless Sessions” album. Wright founded The Villa Recording Studio, New Fold Records, and Loud Folk Records.
Both Neale and Wright are members of the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (http://www.galacticcowboyorchestra.com/).
Drew Medin, a multi-instrumentalist from southeast Minnesota, will also support Schmidt’s concert performing on mandolin. Medin has shared the stage with The Duprees, Annie Mack, County Line Drive, Debbie Anthony, Als Fona, chugchugwob, Breakthrough, the Winona Symphony Orchestra, and more; spanning the gamut of music from classical to country and experimental dubstep-metalcore to praise music. He has been blessed to perform across the US and Europe from a young age and now spends his time doing session work, songwriting, freelance composition, teaching at Rochester Area Community and Technical College (RCTC).
The concert is made possible in part by a Fiscal Year 2025 Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board that Schmidt has earned. The grant is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
