It all started as a quartet in 2003. Carin Vagle, Jeni-Lyn Starr, Billy O and Billy McLaughin played concerts in Milwaukee, Duluth and a handful of shows around the Twin Cities that year. 20 years and 300 shows later, SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin is still ringing in the holidays with Carin Vagle, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts on vocals, Laura MacKenzie on assorted Celtic wind-powered instruments, Billy O on ornamental percussion, Enrique Toussaint on bass, Nathan Wilson on violin and mandolin, and Lisa Z on piano.
As one of the larger MN holiday ensembles still standing, SimpleGifts continues to grow a multi-generational fanbase through touring and streaming via online platforms that did not even exist in 2003. You can stream SimpleGifts on all streaming platforms, buy CDs at all 20th Anniversary shows along with new merch, and rumor has it there may be vinyl in the future for the 21st SimpleGifts Christmas Tour.
Special shows include the return of Jeni-Lyn Starr and Heather Garborg Moen at the Parkway only on Dec 17 and an extended-play show driven by fan requests dubbed “SimplePaLooza”only on Dec 22.
Simple Gifts featuring Billy McLaughlin presents Harvest at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, Sunday October 16 at 7PM. The show re-imagines songs of Neil Young, sung by Carin Vagle, Karen Paurus and Amy Courts, with a Celtic twist added by Laura MacKenzie, all under Bill McLaughlin’s direction. Phil Nusbaum sat down with members of the production, and when he did, Billy first addressed how this special show came into existence.
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SG-Harvest-Parkway.jpeg19092016Simple Giftshttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngSimple Gifts2022-10-06 19:50:332023-02-28 12:06:08Harvest at the Parkway Preview on KBEM
We are so excited that founding-member, vocalist Carin Vagle, will be joining us for the soon to be announced 2022 “The Young and the Rest” concert series. She is the roots beneath so much of the accomplishments of SimpleGifts over the decades. Truly a JOY to have her back on stage making musical magic with us this year!
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Carin-Vagle.jpg720735Hannah Dayhttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngHannah Day2022-03-04 15:20:242022-03-25 19:27:51Exciting news for upcoming shows!
We just couldn’t wait until December 23rd to share this terrific performance featuring joyful SimpleGifts favorites captured with multi-cameras in high-def. Thanks to Steve Keller at ProMediaProductions for getting this virtual concert recording ready to share early! We plan on performing live next season but want to share our very best moments to celebrate this year with you at home.
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/virtual-concert.jpg364900Hannah Dayhttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngHannah Day2021-12-13 14:51:412022-09-25 05:44:35Simplegifts “Christmas From Marine” Pay-per-view Concert Launches Early – Available Now!
Join us every Sunday before Christmas at 4:30pm (central time) for our 2021 Christmastide Fireside Chats with present and past members of SimpleGifts!
We’ll enjoy unscripted conversation and answer as many questions as possible that you might send to us so “fire” away to: info@simplegiftsmusic.net! We will also share footage from last year and enjoy a look-back to the early days of the group.
These fireside chats are FREE! Share with friends and family! You can find us at SimpleGifts Facebook Live each Sunday beginning 11/28 at 4:30pm.
It’s not fun for me to share this news but here it is…all SimpleGifts shows will be postponed through the end of 2021. In the past two weeks not only has Covid sickened band members and their families but it has been clear at the box-office that folks are reluctant to attend upcoming indoor shows. The few tickets that were purchased will be refunded promptly.
This decision comes with extraordinary disappointment after extensive assessment and consideration of countless factors. Practicing self-care is critical for all of us and I need to focus on doing so myself for the remainder of 2021. We will miss you all until a better time comes to produce live indoor events.
Regarding Christmastide, I will be hosting a series of “Fireside” podcasts featuring previously recorded live holiday tracks and special guests. We hope you will join us when they begin after Thanksgiving. That schedule will be confirmed soon so please check back for updates. We remain dedicated to celebrating Christmas no matter what!
Thank you for all your support of SimpleGifts over the years. You are the reason we feel so passionate about the music we present.
We value every opportunity to share our music with you and are excited to do so again when the time is right.
Most sincerely,
Billy
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Simple-4584-recropped2.jpg7501200Hannah Dayhttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngHannah Day2021-09-15 18:49:022021-09-20 18:51:46Timing is Everything – Shows Postponed…
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SG-Windmill-The-Young-and-The-Rest.jpg852900Hannah Dayhttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngHannah Day2021-05-29 11:06:462021-09-20 18:53:28Re-Watch the Spring 2021 Parkway Series
Heather Garborg Moen has displayed her heart with abundant love in SimpleGifts for over a decade. She now is displaying that same love to focus on her family — husband Lee, daughters Adeline and Esther. Heather is stepping away from the spotlight that she commanded with talent and charisma after contributing greatly to the evolution of SimpleGifts. I can’t be happier for her and equally sad for this chapter in all our lives to end!
Let’s all send love and cheers to Heather — the voice, the violinist, the pianist and Norwegian advocate; my long-time “co-pilot” and dear creative friend; nothing is meant to stay the same forever — but we sure DID make magic with you — and that magic lives on!
God Bless you Heather!
– Billy
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Heather-Moen-Garborg-Portrait-2019-St-Paul-Photo-Co.jpg42003000Hannah Dayhttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngHannah Day2021-02-01 11:02:252021-07-29 11:04:40Warm Farewell to Heather Moen
Featuring Members of SimpleGifts – Laura, Amy, Karen!
The inspiration for The Church of the Lost Souls came from the audience when SimpleGifts performed The Young and the Rest at the Parkway a few years ago. After, numerous encores on a Saturday night, Billy explained “this HAS to be the last song. I have to be at church early in the morning! …or maybe we should leave all our equipment here and all come back and play for you tomorrow! We could call it The Church of the Lost Souls or something and just play whatever music makes us happy!” The audience response was thunderous and requests for this type of show have gone unabated ever since.
Filled with songs of both joy and introspection, this listening room/living room styled show will feature all kinds of new music each week with special guest acoustic artists. When allowed by MN Covid guidelines change, reserved ticket in-person socially distanced seating will allow for a live audience in addition to our livestream. More info will be available soon at billymclaughlin.com and at: theparkwaytheater.com
https://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Billy-McLauchlin-Church-of-the-Lost_Souls-poster.jpg10001000Simple Giftshttp://simplegiftsmusic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SimpleGifts-logo.pngSimple Gifts2021-01-05 09:53:292021-01-31 16:54:07Upcoming Shows at Parkway Soon, Livestreams and In Person Tickets
20th Anniversary Christmas Tour Dates Announced!August 25, 2023 - 8:45 pm
Thank you!! That’s a wrap to 2022!December 31, 2022 - 12:00 pm
Harvest at the Parkway Preview on KBEMOctober 6, 2022 - 7:50 pm
20th Anniversary Christmas Tour Dates Announced!
It all started as a quartet in 2003. Carin Vagle, Jeni-Lyn Starr, Billy O and Billy McLaughin played concerts in Milwaukee, Duluth and a handful of shows around the Twin Cities that year. 20 years and 300 shows later, SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin is still ringing in the holidays with Carin Vagle, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts on vocals, Laura MacKenzie on assorted Celtic wind-powered instruments, Billy O on ornamental percussion, Enrique Toussaint on bass, Nathan Wilson on violin and mandolin, and Lisa Z on piano.
As one of the larger MN holiday ensembles still standing, SimpleGifts continues to grow a multi-generational fanbase through touring and streaming via online platforms that did not even exist in 2003. You can stream SimpleGifts on all streaming platforms, buy CDs at all 20th Anniversary shows along with new merch, and rumor has it there may be vinyl in the future for the 21st SimpleGifts Christmas Tour.
Special shows include the return of Jeni-Lyn Starr and Heather Garborg Moen at the Parkway only on Dec 17 and an extended-play show driven by fan requests dubbed “SimplePaLooza”only on Dec 22.
2023 TOUR DATES:
01 DEC, FRIDAY – LAKEVILLE, MN
08 DEC, FRIDAY – PLYMOUTH, MN
09 DEC, SATURDAY – WORTHINGTON, MN
15 DEC, FRIDAY – ST PAUL, MN
17 DEC, SUNDAY – REUNION EDITION – MINNEAPOLIS, MN
19 DEC, TUESDAY – MATINEE – MARINE-ON-ST-CROIX, MN
20 DEC, WEDNESDAY – MATINEE -MARINE-ON-ST-CROIX, MN
21 DEC, THURSDAY– MARINE-ON-ST-CROIX, MN
22 DEC, FRIDAY – SIMPLEPALOOZA – MARINE-ON-ST-CROIX, MN
23 DEC, SATURDAY – MARINE-ON-ST-CROIX, MN
Thank you!! That’s a wrap to 2022!
Thank you to all who were able to join us for our 2022 Christmas Tour! It was amazing being back with you all!
Keep an eye for our upcoming year-round shows, The Young & The Rest…
See you in 2023!
Harvest at the Parkway Preview on KBEM
Simple Gifts featuring Billy McLaughlin presents Harvest at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, Sunday October 16 at 7PM. The show re-imagines songs of Neil Young, sung by Carin Vagle, Karen Paurus and Amy Courts, with a Celtic twist added by Laura MacKenzie, all under Bill McLaughlin’s direction. Phil Nusbaum sat down with members of the production, and when he did, Billy first addressed how this special show came into existence.
Listen to the eight-minute preview here!
Tickets for the show available here
Exciting news for upcoming shows!
We are so excited that founding-member, vocalist Carin Vagle, will be joining us for the soon to be announced 2022 “The Young and the Rest” concert series. She is the roots beneath so much of the accomplishments of SimpleGifts over the decades. Truly a JOY to have her back on stage making musical magic with us this year!
Simplegifts “Christmas From Marine” Pay-per-view Concert Launches Early – Available Now!
We just couldn’t wait until December 23rd to share this terrific performance featuring joyful SimpleGifts favorites captured with multi-cameras in high-def. Thanks to Steve Keller at ProMediaProductions for getting this virtual concert recording ready to share early! We plan on performing live next season but want to share our very best moments to celebrate this year with you at home.
Christmastide Goes Fireside!
Join us every Sunday before Christmas at 4:30pm (central time) for our 2021 Christmastide Fireside Chats with present and past members of SimpleGifts!
We’ll enjoy unscripted conversation and answer as many questions as possible that you might send to us so “fire” away to: info@simplegiftsmusic.net! We will also share footage from last year and enjoy a look-back to the early days of the group.
These fireside chats are FREE! Share with friends and family! You can find us at SimpleGifts Facebook Live each Sunday beginning 11/28 at 4:30pm.
Timing is Everything – Shows Postponed…
Dear Friends,
It’s not fun for me to share this news but here it is…all SimpleGifts shows will be postponed through the end of 2021. In the past two weeks not only has Covid sickened band members and their families but it has been clear at the box-office that folks are reluctant to attend upcoming indoor shows. The few tickets that were purchased will be refunded promptly.
This decision comes with extraordinary disappointment after extensive assessment and consideration of countless factors. Practicing self-care is critical for all of us and I need to focus on doing so myself for the remainder of 2021. We will miss you all until a better time comes to produce live indoor events.
Regarding Christmastide, I will be hosting a series of “Fireside” podcasts featuring previously recorded live holiday tracks and special guests. We hope you will join us when they begin after Thanksgiving. That schedule will be confirmed soon so please check back for updates. We remain dedicated to celebrating Christmas no matter what!
Thank you for all your support of SimpleGifts over the years. You are the reason we feel so passionate about the music we present.
We value every opportunity to share our music with you and are excited to do so again when the time is right.
Most sincerely,
Billy
Re-Watch the Spring 2021 Parkway Series
2021 Parkway Series
Click link to watch:
Feb 14th with Michael Monroe
Feb 21st with Jennifer and Joe
Feb 28th with Kathleen Johnson
March 7th with Nicholas David
March 14th with Laura MacKenzie
March 21st with Jeff Arundel
March 28th with Chris Koza
April 4th with Willie Wisely
April 11th with SOFIA
April 18th with Turn Turn Turn
April 25th with Annie Mack
May 2nd with Peter Mayer
Warm Farewell to Heather Moen
Heather Garborg Moen has displayed her heart with abundant love in SimpleGifts for over a decade. She now is displaying that same love to focus on her family — husband Lee, daughters Adeline and Esther. Heather is stepping away from the spotlight that she commanded with talent and charisma after contributing greatly to the evolution of SimpleGifts. I can’t be happier for her and equally sad for this chapter in all our lives to end!
Let’s all send love and cheers to Heather — the voice, the violinist, the pianist and Norwegian advocate; my long-time “co-pilot” and dear creative friend; nothing is meant to stay the same forever — but we sure DID make magic with you — and that magic lives on!
God Bless you Heather!
– Billy
Upcoming Shows at Parkway Soon, Livestreams and In Person Tickets
Featuring Members of SimpleGifts – Laura, Amy, Karen!
The inspiration for The Church of the Lost Souls came from the audience when SimpleGifts performed The Young and the Rest at the Parkway a few years ago. After, numerous encores on a Saturday night, Billy explained “this HAS to be the last song. I have to be at church early in the morning! …or maybe we should leave all our equipment here and all come back and play for you tomorrow! We could call it The Church of the Lost Souls or something and just play whatever music makes us happy!” The audience response was thunderous and requests for this type of show have gone unabated ever since.
Filled with songs of both joy and introspection, this listening room/living room styled show will feature all kinds of new music each week with special guest acoustic artists. When allowed by MN Covid guidelines change, reserved ticket in-person socially distanced seating will allow for a live audience in addition to our livestream. More info will be available soon at billymclaughlin.com and at: theparkwaytheater.com