Some of Minnesota’s best independent music artists hit the Historic Paramount Theatre stage at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 26, as the Caravan du Nord Tour travels through Austin.

Numerous towns throughout greater Minnesota are participating in this tour, which is organized by the Minnesota Music Coalition.

This year’s concert is also supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board and by Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current. Austin is fortunate to host 4onthefloor and Me and My Arrow. Inspired by The Doors, CCR, and Waylon Jennings to name a few, 4onthefloor is hard to define, but plays both rock and blues music in 4/4 time.

Through gutsy Delta–Blues and classic Americana, 4onthefloor put its signature stomp on these classic genres with not one but four bass drums.

Like a tidal wave of sound, Me and My Arrow showcases a blend of strings, pianos, synths, guitars and urban clanging to make for an orchestral sound that is larger than large.

The local band Angel will open the concert at 6:30 p.m. All three bands will host two free workshops at Riverland Community College the same day as the concert. At 3:15pm, 4onthefloor will lead an Artist Songwriting Workshop, which will focus on songwriting and their inspirations, motivations and methods. Building a Sustainable Career as an Independent Artist begins at 4:30 p.m.

It is a “study hall” featuring Me and My Arrow, Ellen Stanley of Red House Records, Ashley Hanson, Sheila Smith of MN Citizens for the Arts and moderated by Austin native Beth Burns.

The panel will discuss grant opportunities for independent musicians, the pros and cons of finding a label, how to tour/promote your music independently and answer any questions the audience asks.

For more information about the event and to purchase $5 tickets for the concert visit paramounttheatre.org.