About the event
The MN Original Music Festival’s, Songwriters Stage, features the debut of new music commissioned from Minnesota artists. The 2026 program is a collaboration between MOMF and The Arts Center of Saint Peter (the opening act of the Arts Center’s Summer Jazz series), featuring The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra.
GALACTIC COWBOY ORCHESTRA was started in 2009 by founding member/bass player John Wright. The band was born out of a desire to play technically challenging music derived from John’s influences ranging from Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Dixie Dregs and King Crimson, to name a few. Wright enlisted the aid of guitarist Dan Neale, who brought to the table many deep Jazz influences in his advanced playing and composing style. Along with the band’s first drummer, Mark O’Day, the beginnings of Galactic Cowboy Orchestra were found. Soon after, violinist (and John’s wife) Lisi Wright joined the band with her aggressive “electric guitar player plays violin” style and engaging stage presence to complete the band’s sound and look. Fast forward 16 years: 6 studio releases (and one live), 3 Downbeat Nominations, a Minnesota Arts Tour Grant, collaborations with symphony orchestras, thousands of miles of touring and the band is just getting started.
The performance is free to the public and will be held in Minnesota Square Park, in Saint Peter, MN, at 7 pm on Thursday, July 17.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
This program is made possible with funds provided by the St. Peter Tourism and Visitors Bureau.
Email mnoriginalmusicfest@gmail.com with questions!