A figure on the West Bank scene in Minneapolis during the end of the twentieth century, John C. Van Orman made a mark reflected by the many regional artists who have covered his songs over the years. Boiled in Lead, Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson, Sherry Minnick, and The Flash Girls are a diverse lot whose covers reflect the breadth of Van Orman’s appeal.
His songs are often referential, alluding lyrically and musically to images, themes and motifs from traditional folk song, a realm about which he is very knowledgeable. The instruments with which he accompanies himself – guitar, concertina, pump organ, fiddle and hurdy-gurdy – enhance the vintage quality of the material. Van Orman has received Minnesota Music Academy awards for his multi-instrumental prowess as well as for his songwriting skills, and has been nominated for both MAMA and WAMI awards in Wisconsin.
He currently performs with Adam Helwin in the group, Van Orman and Helwin, and continues his long-standing work with William Furry and Bill Rintz, in the band Finnegans Wake.
A complete biography may be found here. Biography
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What folks are saying ~
“…intriguingly curious…”
Ian A. Anderson – U.K podcast, Podwireless (formerly froots radio)
“As deep as any great poetry…the voice of a man who lives close to nature and feels his emotions intensely.”
Alicia Bay Laurel – Artist, musician, author of Living on the Earth
“The music is all that I hoped for, and much more. Rich, spooky, cranky, erotic, startling, hilarious, and your voice has never sounded better.”
Todd Menton, musician – Boiled in Lead; Center for Irish Music
“…hard-core folk…”
Tom Surowicz – Minneapolis Star Tribune
“On Saturday evening comes John Van Orman, known to Springfield folkies as a founding member of the area folk ensemble Finnegans Wake. As an award winner, folk center director, hurdy-gurdy player, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, instrument builder and world traveler, the man is a fabulous treasure-trove of all things folk-music oriented and a gifted performer as well…This is a wonderful thing folks, go enjoy.”
Tom Irwin – The Illinois Times
“…the single best song ever written about Springfield, Illinois…”
Doug Kamholz – Midwest Bureau Chief, New Bay Books
“A songwriter, singer…He’s a savant. He’s out on the cutting edge.”
Bill Hinkley – on A Prairie Home Companion
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Upcoming Performance Dates
We are currently in the recording studio, but look forward to seeing you soon!
Thursday, June 6, 2024; 5 - 8 Van Orman & Helwin Hop Garden, Paoli, WI
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Tuesday, June 18, 3:30 pm John C. Van Orman, Sea Chanteys at the Argyle Library, Argyle, WI
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Thursday, July 11, 2024 Van Orman & Helwin Tyrol Basin Mount Horeb, WI
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Friday, July 26, 2024 Van Orman & Helwin; with special guests Drew Miller, Todd Menton and Mark Black
Celtic Junction, Saint Paul, MN
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Sunday, September 8, 2024; 3 - 5 Van Orman & Helwin Brix Cider, Mt. Horeb, WI
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Saturday, September 21; 6 pm - 8 Van Orman & Helwin Old Oak Inn; Soldier’s Grove, WI
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Thursday, September 26, 2024 Van Orman & Helwin Tyrol Basin Mount Horeb, WI
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Special - Finnegans Wake 50th Anniversary Parties
Saturday, August 24, 2024 Finnegans Wake Salem on Seventh, Petersburg, IL
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Saturday, August 17, 2024 Finnegans Wake The Focal Point, St. Louis, MO
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