Fringe 2026 - Returning Favorites - JimJam Media - The Local Music Scene

I saw the previous Fringe outing for this improv comedy concept back in 2022 over at the Bryant Lake Bowl, so I’m happy it’s back again and on the West Bank this time so hopefully more folks will give it a shot.

Description: 
Improv inspired by local music. Local musicians perform original songs live. Between songs the Local Music Scene cast improvise scenes inspired by the lyrics. LOCAL MUSIC; improvised SCENEs
Venue - Rarig Xperimental
Content Warnings - Adult Language
Genre and Content - Comedy, Improv, Original Music
Ages 16 and Up

JimJam Media is producers/improvisers Sarah Arnold-Simondet, Holly Brooks, Eric Heiberg, and Philip Simondet,  Philip created the show concept for The Local Music Scene and Eric serves as director.

Phillip and company ended up in the #3 spot on my pre-Fringe Top 10 list for their show “Demo Tape” and then wowed me again with both the comedy and the music of “Self-Titled Debut Album” in 2018, then brought the long-running improv show “The Local Music Scene” to the Fringe in 2022, and just last year Philip mixed music with a solo show and served up the intense, funny and very compelling “Fall of the High School Valedictorian” (which he’s taking to the Green Bay Fringe this weekend).

So, scripted or unscripted, if Philip and his collaborators are involved, I’m there.

Here’s how they describe the concept:

“In each show, a local musical guest is featured. They perform 4 original songs and, inbetween the improvisers create scenes inspired by the lyrics/vibe/etc.

The first Local Music Scene show was 2/1/2014, and we've featured nearly 100 local musicians over the last 12 years.

The first shows were a summer-long 11 am residency at an art gallery, which was the living/dning room of a 2 bedroom apartment above an italian restaurant. Our "green room" was the host artists' kids' room. There were only 6 seats in the house, and they were never full.

The Local Music Scene was a monthly staple at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater until Covid shut everything down.

After Fringe, we will be begin a recurring run at The Others Workshop Collective (1729 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55411)”

Bonus tracks:

“Every musical guest is tasked to create their own version of The Local Music Scene Theme Song. Some suggested lyrics are offered, but the musical guests are encouraged to "make it their own" as much as possible.”

Here’s the playlist of past theme songs from their guest musicians

The musicians lined up for each performance are as follows:

Aug. 7th at 10:00pm: Robyn Jamner
Aug. 8th at 7:00 pm: Larry Wish
Aug. 10th at 8:30 pm: Dogpile
Aug. 15th at 1:00 pm: Brendan Wells
Aug. 16th at 5:30 pm: Boobless

Additional improvisers in the line-up include Karyn Alissa, Danica McDonald, Adam Mellerup, Linc Owens, and the legendary Jill Bernard (of HUGE theater fame - I know, I buried the lead there, didn’t I?)

If you want some new local music and some imrprov comedy, this show has both.

I’ve very highly recommended all of Philip’s Fringe shows - and I already know this one works so… absolutely slotting into my schedule again.  You should, too.