Dusky Waters // Bear In The Forest // Marengo

Dusky Waters

Dusky Waters is the musical project of New Orleans–based singer-songwriter Jenn Jeffers, whose work sits at the intersection of Americana, folk, and soul. Known for a warm, commanding vocal presence and deeply narrative songwriting, Dusky has performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Folk Alliance International, and has been featured by outlets including OffBeat and Folk Radio UK. Her debut album Pass It On (2023) established her as a compelling voice in the contemporary roots landscape. She is currently preparing her sophomore full-length album mother magnolia, recorded at Dockside Studio and set for release in November 2026, a project that expands her sound while continuing to explore themes of lineage, place, and belonging.

Bear In The Forest

Alberto Kanost, a.k.a. Bear, is the founder of indie folk group Bear In The Forest. This folk group has grown into a perennial act at events, venues, and festivals across the Midwest. Bear was born in New Orleans, grew up in Milwaukee, and has been residing in Madison since his graduation in 2020. He was a participant in the UW’s Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives’s Hip Hop and Urban Arts scholarship program First Wave, where he honed his skills as an artist and activist. Bear is classically trained in violin, has refined his vocals with multiple years of choir, and is a self-taught guitarist with over a decade of playing.

The songs of Bear In The Forest howl with spiritualism. They are built around folk music in the oldest, barest sense: joy and pain and a guitar coming together. You may find yourself in the North Woods staring at pine tree framed star lit skies, sailing through stormy waters, facing creatures of the night, or simply enjoying a piece of pie.

With guitar, striking vocals, and a loop pedal, Bear’s live performances take you on a journey through sounds of indie folk, Americana, jazz, and country.

Marengo

Marengo is an indie pop-rock band from Madison, Wisconsin, formed in early 2024. The group features Olivia Bloch on vocals, her brother Sam Bloch on guitar, Drew Schultz on bass, and Jake Reynolds on drums.

Their music sits comfortably between reflective and upbeat — songs that carry a darker edge without losing warmth or heart. It’s an easy blend of emotion, melody, and groove that feels good to listen to and still makes you want to move.

Live, the band pulls people in with songs that feel personal and expressive, balancing depth and fun whether it’s a small room or a big outdoor crowd.

Following the release of their debut EP, I Still Think About It (2025), Marengo has been building
momentum across Wisconsin with engaging performances and a growing fan base.