Project: Constellation, Jake Ingamar and more play free show at Red Raven

On the evening of Jan. 11, patrons headed to the Red Raven Espresso Parlor to enjoy a gig with a local folk bill.

A young newcomer to the indie country/folk scene of Fargo, Walker Rider opened the evening with help from Phobophilic drummer Vincent Tweten. Some may recognize him from the Memorial Union Gallery Christmas party, which he performed during dead week in December.

Grand Forks two-piece Project: Constellation brought their blend of folk, bluegrass and punk to the stage next. Composed of electric violinist/vocalist Christina Rosebrough and guitarist/vocalist Santiago Silva, Project: Constellation draw influence from everything from Irish folk to pop punk.

Local solo act Jake Ingamar followed Project: Constellation, opting to perform seated because he forgot his guitar strap. This did not hamper his performance, as he played through his 2018 EP “Antiques,” as well as debuting a few new tracks. A multi-instrumentalist, Ingamar played the entire arrangement on his EP, from drums to harmonica. He performed at the Red Raven with only his hybrid acoustic electric guitar and harmonica.

Ingamar’s unique voice is full of natural juxtaposition: delicate and gritty, powerfully understated. Paired with his sauntering picking style, Ingamar may remind you of Graham Nash or Tallest Man on Earth, maybe even a little of Bob Dylan. The young singer-songwriter creates music that updates the classic late ’60s coffee shop folk sound that defined a generation.

Local folk group So Sad followed Ingamar, playing to a crowd of content coffee drinkers on a chilled Friday night. Comprised of vocalist Anjali Karna and guitarist Courtney Utz, the pair is a fan of folk greats such as Townes Van Zandt as well as more contemporary artists like Lua. So Sad pulls from both of these directions in their songwriting.

Gina Powers of The Gina Powers Band ended the evening with fellow bandmate Mitchell Rittenbach. The Gina Powers Band is well known in the area’s alternative country circuit, gaining a sturdy following since their formation in 2016. While they categorize themselves as alt country, the band has an undeniable blues sound. For the Red Raven show, Powers played acoustic guitar while Rittenbach plugged in his electric bass and sang backup.