Rich Mattson and the Northstars

Over the course of his long and illustrious musical career sprouting from the same teal backwater as Bob Dylan on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range, Rich Mattson came up in the '80s learning songs from John Denver to Link Wray with a little Elvis Costello and Neil Young tossed into the mix.  Add in some heaping handfuls of U2, the Replacements, and CCR and blend until the ingredients come splattering in bits and pieces and you have around 500 tunes and this fella’s monster discography (see also Ol’ Yeller, the Tisdales, Glenrustles). Now residing in Sparta MN with his life and love partner Germaine Gemberling, the two have been writing, recording, and performing (among other things) together since 2010. The latest incarnation of the Northstars features retired fireman Chris Petrack on the drums, and new bassist Calvin Lund, also known for his work with the Saltydogs (Duluth MN’s premier jam band). Their 6 albums have received rave reviews and high praise from the indie rock/americana/jangle-core crowd, making them an underground sensation.

The Northstars perform all around Minnesota and beyond and have been invited to share the stage with such notable acts as the Minus 5, the Jayhawks, Drivin’ and Cryin’, and Trampled By Turtles. Rich also co-fronts a Neil Young tribute band with Alan Sparhawk (of LOW fame) on occasion. Somewhat of a Minnesota music staple, Mattson is well known for his songwriting and outstanding showmanship as well as his work with literally thousands of artists at his Sparta Sound recording studio. The latest Rich Mattson and the Northstars album (available on LP, CD as well all streaming) OUT THERE came out in November of 2022 on Poor L’amour/Sparta Sound. A new single, “Rendezvous With a Star” was released May 31, 2024 and is among the band’s finest work. More music is on the way in 2024!

Past Shows


Aug
20
th
2024
First Avenue
Aug
20
th
2024
First Avenue

Built to Spill

'There’s Nothing Wrong With Love' 30th Anniversary Tour
with Floating Witch’s Head and Rich Mattson and the Northstars
Jan
21
st
2022
Turf Club
Jun
20
th
2019
Turf Club
Jun
20
th
2019
Turf Club

The Minus 5

with Rich Mattson and the Northstars
Jan
25
th
2019
Turf Club
Jan
25
th
2019
Turf Club

Rich Mattson and the Northstars

with MIKE NICOLAI (backed by the RANK STRANGERS)
Dec
14
th
2017
Turf Club
Dec
14
th
2017
Turf Club

DRIVIN’ N CRYIN’

with Rich Mattson and the Northstars
Feb
3
rd
2017
Turf Club
Feb
3
rd
2017
Turf Club

Rich Mattson and the Northstars

with Whale in the Thames and Feeding Leroy
Nov
23
rd
2016
Mainroom
Nov
23
rd
2016
Mainroom

The Ike Reilly Assassination

with The Honeydogs and Rich Mattson and the Northstars
Aug
11
th
2016
7th St Entry
Aug
11
th
2016
7th St Entry

Whale in the Thames

with Jim Ruiz Set, Rich Mattson and the Northstars and LOVERS ON THE BALCONY
Jan
30
th
2016
7th St Entry
Jun
6
th
2015
Turf Club
Jun
6
th
2015
Turf Club

Rich Mattson and the Northstars

with Sounds del Mar, rank strangers and MATT LATTERELL
May
16
th
2015
Indeed Brewery
May
16
th
2015
Indeed Brewery

ART-A-WHIRL

with Mark Mallman, Rupert Angeleyes, Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band and more!
Sep
4
th
2014
Turf Club
Sep
4
th
2014
Turf Club

The Jayhawks

with Rich Mattson and the Northstars

More Shows

Jan
4
th
Turf Club

Gramma's Boyfriend

with Oyster World and Ghosting Merit
Jan
3
rd
Turf Club

HELL YEAH 2!! ⏤ A Rock & Roll Dance Party ft. DJ Mary Lucia

with DJ Shane Kramer (of Transmission), DJ Johnnie Johnson and Monica LaPlante
Mar
7
th
7th St Entry

Glixen

with she's green and Linus
Feb
15
th
7th St Entry

Michigan Rattlers