A new season of Prairie Musicians hits the airwaves on March 19, 2026!
Watch on Thursdays at 9pm to see some of the best regional artists perform their original music.
All episodes will be streaming on the PBS app and our YouTube channel.
2026 Artist Lineup
MoonCats
📺 Premiering Thursday, March 19, at 9pm.
The MoonCats from Pick City, ND are a trio of talented musicians who creatively mix the sounds from American roots instruments like banjo, harmonica, mandolin, and even washboard with lyrics that depict images of the prairie and meaningful messages. Their fiery, fun-loving performance will always include some foot stompin'!
Follow MoonCats
Website: mooncatsmusic.com
Facebook: MoonCats
Instagram: @mooncatsmusic
YouTube: MoonCats
TikTok: @mooncatsmusic
Spotify: MoonCats
Emma Josephine
📺 Premiering Thursday, March 26, at 9pm.
Emma Josephine is an emerging and talented singer/songwriter who is captivated by the nostalgia of her own life growing up in Minnesota. Her melodies bring her creatively crafted lyrics to life and leave the listener with a sense of hometown warmth and reminiscing.
Follow Emma Josephine
Website: emmajosephinemusic.com
Facebook: Emma Josephine
Instagram: @justemmajomusic
YouTube: JustEmmaJoMusic
TikTok: @justemmajomusic
Spotify: Emma Josephine
Darren Quam & Friends
📺 Premiering Thursday, April 2, at 9pm.
Darren Quam is a singer/songwriter from Battle Lake, MN who blends rock, blues, and folk to create his own unique sound. As a musical storyteller, he revels in the chance to share his own experiences, travels, and feelings in the songs that he and his musical friends bring to the Prairie Musicians series.
Follow Darren Quam & Friends
Website: darrenquam.com
Facebook: Darren Quam
Instagram: @darren_quam
YouTube: Darren Quam
Spotify: Darren Quam
Ben Stoeck
📺 Premiering Thursday, April 9, at 9pm.
Ben Stoeck is an Americana-folk singer songwriter from central Minnesota who has traveled the country performing with a variety of bands. His solo creations are an energetic mix of stories and memories from his life in Minnesota as well as his extensive travel throughout the Pacific northwest.
Follow Ben Stoeck
Facebook: Ben Stoeck
Instagram: @_stoeck
YouTube: Ben Stoeck
The Winter Sloths
📺 Premiering Thursday, April 16, at 9pm.
The Winter Sloths from Fergus Falls, MN are a powerhouse group of talented regional musicians who take their music seriously while also having as much fun as possible! The most unique aspect of their alternative rock music is the way they weave an honest dialogue of mental health and personal growth into their messages in hopes of connecting with audiences both on-line and in their live performances.
Follow The Winter Sloths
Website: thewintersloths.com
Facebook: The Winter Sloths
Instagram: @thewintersloths
YouTube: The Winter Sloths
TikTok: @thewintersloths
Spotify: The Winter Sloths
Katy Tessman & Sweet Lou
📺 Premiering Thursday, April 23, at 9pm.
Katy Tessman and Sweet Lou are a mother and son duo who bring powerful heartfelt rhythms into their original music. The wisdom and strength Katy gained as a cancer survivor has inspired her to share her uplifting story and bring comfort to others. As a busy songwriter, author, and mother, she and Lou still find time to tour the country to perform their music and spread smiles.
Follow Katy Tessman & Sweet Lou
Website: katytessman.com
Facebook: Katy Tessman
Instagram: @katytessmanmusic
YouTube: Katy Tessman
Spotify: Katy Tessman
Alma Cook
📺 Premiering Thursday, April 30, at 9pm
Alma Cook is a pop and soul singer songwriter who studied voice in Chicago before immersing herself into the Los Angeles art scene. Luckily for North Dakota she fell head over heels for the town of Williston where she does it all including working with area youth to develop their appreciation for the arts with the Williston Music Intensive. Her lyrics and musical style are a unique addition to the state and the Prairie Musicians series.
Follow Alma Cook
Website: hearalma.com
Facebook: Alma Cook
Instagram: @hearalma
YouTube: Alma Cook
Spotify: Alma Cook