La Crosse, Wis. – The Department of Music at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse presents its annual Scholarship Gala concert on Saturday, September 14 at 7 p.m. in Annett Recital at the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. An open reception follows the 75-minute performance in the lobby of the Lowe Center for the Arts. Each year, the gala features special guest artists honoring the history and legacy of the music program, from recognizing the contributions of emeriti faculty to celebrating the achievements of recent graduates.

This year, the Department of Music spotlights three UWL alumni who return for a special celebratory concert: Join us for the Shoeless Trio's "Rhythm & Roots", featuring Reed Grimm ('08), Jack Kolb-Willliams ('08), and Ben Peterson ('07). This year’s event promises an electrifying sound that merges rock, funk, and improvisational jazz elements into a high-energy experience.

Co-founded by Peterson, Kolb-Williams, and Grimm in 2005, the Twin Cities’ “Shoeless Revolution” was born in the local music scene of La Crosse. With over 20 years of experience playing together, the trio has toured nationally and internationally, and have collaborated on multiple recording projects. Their performance at the gala, "Rhythm & Roots," pays homage to their musical influences from their formative years in La Crosse.

“It’s an honor to return to my alma mater to help nurture the community that nurtured me in becoming the person and musician I am,” says Reed Grimm. “Not only did UWL Music grant me opportunities to grow in these ways, it also cultivated some of the richest, longest, and closest relationships I have to this day. I speak for Shoeless Trio when I say we are truly grateful to be able to give back and help the next generation have their own opportunities to pursue their dreams at the same place we pursued ours.”

In addition to Shoeless Trio, Grimm now writes, records, and teaches, and is currently working on his sophomore solo album. You can follow his journey at reedgrimm.com and his socials at @reedgrimmmusic. Peterson is now a freelance multi-instrumentalist based out of St. Paul. Kolb-Williams currently serves as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance, where he works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters throughout the state.

"Each year the Gala raises thousands of dollars that go directly to student scholarships," notes Dr. Pete Rydberg, Director of the School of Visual & Performing Arts. "We are incredibly grateful to our patrons for their longtime support for this yearly celebration. The generosity of friends from across the Coulee Region enables UWL to compete with larger institutions in providing robust financial support for the next generation of student musicians and scholars. We look forward to seeing you for a dynamic performance from Shoeless Trio."

This event is generously sponsored by Xcel Energy, with additional support from UWL’s School of Visual & Performing Arts.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended for this special event. The recommended donation is $25 for adults and seniors, and free for students. Visit uwlax.edu/go/rhythm-roots to make online reservations until Thursday, September 12 at 4 p.m., or call the music office at 608-785-8409 to make a reservation using cash or check. Reservations may also be made at the door starting at 6:30 p.m.