The Star News (Summer 2005)

The Rena Haus Band invites local musicians to jam

by Britt Aamodt

The Rena Haus Band—comprising Rena Haus, Bob Haus, Steve Fine and John Gangl—wants to invite local musicians to join them onstage at ArtSoup’s Imagination Station.

Soloist or group, beginner or advanced, young or old, everyone is welcome to prepare one to two songs for the ArtSoup “jam session,” beginning 5 p.m., Saturday, June 18. Because of time constraints, interested musicians are encouraged to book a slot in advance by calling the Elk River Area Arts Alliance at 441-4725.

“I come from a tradition of older players nurturing younger ones,” said Rena Haus, guitarist and vocalist, who got her big break at the Amateur Blues Contest in Phoenix.

Entering the contest “on a lark,” Haus soon discovered that out of 25 competitors she was the only woman and the only soloist.

“I was scared to death, but people just fell all over themselves after that to play with me. A lot of stellar players took me under their wing.”

Haus has since gone on to perform with some of the most accomplished blues musicians around and has won recognition for her musicianship and songwriting. Her compositions have appeared in television, movies and two studio albums, the most recent titled Beer to Go.

“I’ve had my share of really fun brushes with success,” said Haus, a resident of St. Michael. “My intention now is to give up-and-coming musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

At the ArtSoup jam session, participants will have the option of performing alone or with the Rena Haus Band. Microphones, a spare guitar amp, drum kit and the band’s PA system will be made available.

Promoting new talent is nothing new to Haus. She uses her Tuesday night gigs at the Viking Bar in Minneapolis to give fledgling musicians a turn in the spotlight.

“I know that people are shy about coming on stage,” she said about the ArtSoup event. “But jamming is about putting yourself outside your comfort zone. Sometimes it’s magic. Sometimes it’s a train wreck. But it’s always fun.”

Journalist

http://www.erstarnews.com 

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