Dead Man Winter was born of the long dark Minnesota winters, those endless days where the light that fades in the early afternoon and night seems to last forever. It’s music that happens on those evenings that start early and go late, where you find yourselves congregated in bars and basements, listening to and playing music with friends. You drink a few beers and maybe some sipping whiskey to stave off the cold and fire the brain. The songs on Bright Lights invite you to pull up a chair and join in.

The collection of songs show what might have happened had Simonett not had his guitar and amp stolen one cold Duluth night in 2002 after a final gig with his rock band at the time, leaving with nothing to play except an busted old acoustic guitar. He found a few other friends without amps, started writing songs, and started playing with a group of like-minded musicians whose genre-breaking acoustic band has changed the face of modern bluegrass. With a reputation as a live band not to be missed, they’ve appeared at festivals ranging from Coachella to Telluride and are set to play the Newport Folk Fest. This is a homespun, collaborative batch of songs. The songs are warm and inviting – maybe because those long, dark Minnesota winters are so damn cold. Simonett’s strengths as a writer and vocalist just keep getting better – his words and melodies connect and stay with you, long after the winter is gone.

Stay tuned to this space for updates: http://deadmanwinter.com/

Dead Man Winter Tour Dates
8/17/11- Fort Collins, CO @ Hodi's Half Note
8/18/11- Breckenridge, CO @ Three 20 South
8/19/11- Boulder, CO @ The Fox Theatre
8/20/11- Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
8/25/11- Juneau Arts & Cultural Center
8/26/11- Skagway, AK @ Red Onion Saloon
8/27/11- Skagway, AK @ Red Onion Saloon
9/01/11- Healy, AK @ Salmon Bake
9/02/11- Anchorage, AK @ Tap Root
9/03/11- Anchorage, AK @ Tap Root
9/14/11- Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
9/15/11- Duluth, MN @ Pizza Luce
9/16/11- Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
9/23/11- Winona, MN @ Boats and Bluegrass Festival
9/29/11- Chicago, IL @ Schubas