A Roots Party with the Johnson Family Band

All it takes is a condenser mic and some floor space to get something cooking with the Johnsons. Luckily, the HoDo Lounge floor is perfect for capturing their hard-stomping bluegrass thumps as they romp through a celebration of a prominent strain of American musical DNA. Lots of strings, lots of howlin', lots of chunky rhythms and plenty of fun.

Tonight, y'all, at 9 bells. No cover, 21+

*The Johnsons on MySpace.

The Johnsons on YouTube:

Charlie Parr ... He'll Play Forever If You Let Him

There's still a lot of winter between here and Duluth. As we emerge into the post-blizzard albedo, it's comforting to know that such mistreatment from nature won't stop the irrepressible Charlie Parr, fingerpicker extraordinaire. It's the Nth time back here for Charlie and, like spring, it's better to have him here than not.

Good friends The Johnson Family Band will start the show at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the HoDo Lounge. Charlie and the JFB will make a running start at exorcising this late winter torpor. $5 cover, 21+.

Party Like It's 2009!

Cue up "Auld Lang Syne." Find a funny hat and a noise maker. And, most importantly, get your friends together and join us for a fond farewell to 2008. While we're at it, we'll give a hearty welcome to 2009.

To start the evening off, we'll have a special prix fixe menu in the HoDo Restaurant (click here to view the menu) at $65/person. Tom Johnson and Nick Fryer will add jazz accompaniment to the dinner from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Please call 701.478.1000 - or click here - to make a reservation.

For the coup de grace, make your way to the HoDo Lounge for a year-end stompathon from the Johnson Family Band. They'll take the stage at 10 p.m. and take us into the new year. No cover, 21+.

You Can Feel It Your Very Soul - Charlie Parr on the Radio

Charlie Parr - fingerpicker extraordinaire and man of the people - will return to the HoDo Lounge this Thursday evening with special guests the Johnson Family Band. The JFB will kick things off at 7 p.m., there's a $5 cover and it's 21+. Bring your favorite whoopin' boots and stamp along.

You can also catch Charlie on Prairie Public radio's "Hear It Now" at 3 p.m. (Central Time) this Thursday, the 18th. He'll do an in-studio performance with host Merrill Piepkorn. Tune in on 91.9 FM in Fargo and on your local Prairie Public station elsewhere in the state. You can also stream the show online here.

Get to Know a HoDoan #3 - Pete

(It's time for another sneak peek into the gritty innards of the HoDo. This time around, we're talking with Pete. He's a tall drink of water with plenty of talent and a great personality. Pete also has the distinction of being a guitarist/vocalist in a bluegrass outfit, the Johnson Family Band. Let's learn more...)

Any nicknames? Pete. Just Pete.


What do you do here at the HoDo and how long have you been here? I'm a bartender. I've been here for about six months.

What is your most memorable HoDo moment? Probably seeing the sun set, framed by the buildings on Broadway, from the stage at Dalefest.

What do you like to do in your free time? I have an Australian cattledog named Scruggs and a bluegrass band. Right now, I'm also learning the fiddle.


List some favorites of yours. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," by Robert Persig; films by David Lynch; the album "Pink Moon" by Nick Drake; the Foghorn Stringbad; and "Lost."

What do you recommend to do while in Fargo? Hike at Buffalo River State Park, drink at the HoDo and see the Johnson Family Band, of course!

What is your favorite menu item on the HoDo menu? You can't beat a wild rice burger and a Bells Two-Hearted ale.

What is your dream vacation? I would love to go climbing and chase women in Thailand.

Who are your heroes? John Hartford, Tom Waits, Barack Obama and Dale (all-around smooth talkin' manager of the HoDo Lounge - ed.).

What would you do if you won the lottery? Become a full-time alpinist (mountain climber - ed.), or something equally self indulgent.

(A special thanks to Pete for his willingness to be poked and prodded. Be sure to check out his mixology skills behind the bar at the HoDo.)

The Johnson Family Band Bids Summer Adieu

It was a busy summer for the Johnson Family Band. Aside from gigs throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area, they also made the rounds at several regional festivals, including a set at the 10,000 Lakes Festival (above) and a slot at our very own Dalefest in August. Indeed, they make a great companion to a balmy summer day.

As autumn takes center stage, however, it's time to move the party indoors. If you're part of the loyal and growing JFB fan base, you'll find little problem with that; their high-energy output and hot bluegrass licks work in any venue. We at the HoDo appreciate that and are happy to have the Johnsons open up our fall season of Thursday music on September 25th at 8:30 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge. There's no cover and it's 21+. See you there!

Dalefest '08 Wrap Up

Well, folks. Dalefest '08 has come and gone. It was windy, but we dodged the rain. Turnout was great and there was a wonderful festive air.

If you didn't make it, here's the scoop:

The Johnson Family Band and Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome played with a lot of intensity, and everything sounded great from the street.


Our band of artists, rounded up by James at the Upfront Gallery, gave a crucial visual counterpoint to the proceedings. Kirby and his glassblowing setup generated a lot of interest, and contact juggler Ashraf provided some intriguing visuals.


Our impromptu cantina (it was far too impressive to simply call it a "bar") had some imaginative lighting that gave off an inviting glow. Considering how the pouring went for the evening, you could say it had its intended effect.


Overall, it was a wonderful night and the event was a success. A big thanks to our cosponsors at Summit Brewing, James at the Upfront, Luke at MSUM Club Design, Mike at the MSUM Graphic Communication Department, Britta at Milestones Photography, the Red River Valley fairground, the Downtown Community Partnership, and the City of Fargo. Also, big shouts out to the Fargo Police Department and M1 Sound and Lights for their hard work.


(For more photos, please check out our Facebook page)

We'll see you at Dalefest '09!

The Johnson Family Band - Which One's the Weird Uncle?

The strength of family stems from personality dynamics, a common past and shared experience, and it is easy to make this comparison about the Johnson Family Band. As a group of musicians, they exemplify an internal personality dynamic among themselves and an external distinction among the various musical groups that call the Fargo area home. As a band that specializes in traditional American music, they recall a commonality that we all share in this culture and, as a loose and fun unit that gives a crowd a rollicking good show, they provide a solid dose of experiences to share.

It is fitting, then, that they should professionally call themselves a family, particularly in light of their show with us tonight in the HoDo Lounge at 8:30 p.m. (21+, no cover), where they have certainly become as welcome as family. As we go into a weekend devoted to our own families and the extended family of our fellow Americans, it's even more fitting. Before you head to the lakes or fire up the grill, be sure to get your holiday off to a good start tonight. See you there.

Foot Stompin' with Charlie Parr and the Johnson Family Band

"Hootenanny" is a term that gets thrown around so much, it's lost most of its meaning. But, really, it's the only word that accurately describes what will happen tonight at the HoDo Lounge. Charlie Parr and Fargo's own Johnson Family Band will each present their own lesson in revival Americana to the HoDo Lounge tonight. The music starts at 6 p.m. There is a $3 cover charge for Charlie Parr starting at 9 p.m. Both shows are 21+.