Paradise Resort Bar and Grill, 15 August 2026

Last night was our final appearance at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill for the summer, and we saved the best for last. We survived a mini downpour, got a little wet, but that's live music! The patio was packed with music fans galore and we did our best to deliver the goods.

Sure, it was hot, sticky and humid (okay, it was downright wet), but we didn't care and the audience didn't care, either... in fact, we played an extra hour due to popular demand! We didn't want to quit and you folks didn't want us to quit! We had an absolute blast! 

We made a bunch of new friends last night and saw some old friends we haven't seen in years. In short, it was one of the best nights and best gigs we've had as a band. 

We will absolutely be back next year!!!

Here are a few photos of last night's show, taken by our sound engineer, Neil. 

Be sure to check out our YouTube page and our Facebook page for videos!

Girth has a long neck bottle personally delivered to him by the lovely Elizabeth. You would think his private plane would be enough. Success is going to his head. 😂

Scooter rips off another smokin' solo while Brian jams.

Yeah, we got wet. Tarps came in handy halfway through the night when the skies opened up for about 10 minutes. When you perform live you improvise on the fly, but the show must go on! 

Seldom Elvis was in the building more than once last night. Andy (bass) and Sam (drums) make up The Mugwugs' kick-ass rhythm section.

 

This photo is a fine representation of the end of the evening. Work lights on, everything wet and beaten to smithereens... but doggone, it was fun!

Girth takes a well deserved bow... Thank you and goodnight!

This was our last scheduled show of the summer, but if you know of anyone or any organization that needs a great band, we know somebody... Contact us on Facebook right here. 

A Music Filled Weekend!

 It was a busy weekend full of travel and music for the Mugwugs!

The weather was fantastic on both Friday night in Browerville and and Saturday afternoon in Spicer, where we had back-to-back shows.

Here are a few photos of those two performances. We take a quick break and then we are back at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill on Saturday, August 15th. 

Friday night "Farmfest" celebration in Browerville, MN:

Kevin, always smiling for the camera...

Andy looks like a Civil War general here. Stonewall Bingham on bass. 

Scooter singing, "Almost Heaven, West Virginia..." Did you know those famous John Denver lyrics are now West Virginia's official tourism slogan?

Sam pounding the peaches out of his shiny, new Gretsch Renown Series kit!

The crazy Becker clan dancing to a German song, "Aloha Heja He." What an awesome time!

♭♯

After a quick sleep and a couple cups of coffee (New Hill Coffee, of course. Roasted by are very own Kevin Nyberg), we performed at "Music on the Lake" near Spicer, MN. Located on Lake Calhoun, Kevin and Scott have played here each summer for the past 13 years. They started as an acoustic duo, but they've added some help along the way! What a beautiful location. 

A beautiful Saturday afternoon for music on the lake.

Yes, OF COURSE Girth found his way to Spicer!

(thanks to Lindsey and Neil for the photos!)

New YouTube channel up and running!

Guess what? 

We have a YouTube channel now! The link can be found to the right (just below that is our Facebook page, which is also really popular). We will be adding more and more videos of our performances as the months progress. 

Here's a snip of us at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill near Brainerd, MN.

Coming up this week are back-to-back shows for us in Browerville, MN on July 31 and Spicer, MN on August 1! 

Paradise Resort Bar and Grill, 18 July 2026

It is never easy to pick favorites, but we think performing at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill might be our favorite venue in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The audience is full of music lovers, the drinks are cold, the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is outstanding!

We lucked out with awesome weather on Saturday evening and the patio was packed for our first public show in 10 months! We were reunited with old friends, made a bunch of new friends and had ourselves a heck of a party!

We will be back August 15th at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill and we hope to see everybody there!

The Mugwugs at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill. 18 July 2026

The Mugwugs at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill. 18 July 2026

 

Lake Andrew, Fourth of July, Alexandria MN

A few photos of our performance on the Fourth of July at Lake Andrew in Alexandria, MN. The weather was forecasted to be a bit frightful in the afternoon, so we elected to play inside. Turns out, the weather was fine and the weatherman was wrong. But you know what? We still had fun!

 

Bros Weekend, Opening Show Summer 2026

It's all fun and games until the sheriff pulls the plug!

Well, it wasn't quite that dramatic, but for the first time in Mugwugs history, the county sheriff gave a (friendly) warning -- yes, a "concerned citizen" called in a noise complaint (rock and roll ain't noise pollution!), so we had to cease and desist by 9:00 PM. Indeed, some folks have forgotten how to enjoy life.

But you know what? We sure had fun!  

We certainly kicked it off with a bang last night in Wadena, MN! It was the 10th Annual Bros Weekend, and we were honored to be a part of their yearly celebration -- friends getting together for the sake of getting together. We love playing private parties because folks bring the energy and EVERYBODY is there to have a great time! It really set the tone going into our summer season.

Thanks for having us, Bros!

About last night....

Thanks to the Bros for the awesome koozie! A little worse for wear after a crazy night of music, but it kept the beverages cold!

Rockin to "1985"!

Our last song of the night, done acoustically so no one would complain of the "noise!"

Have no fear, Girth is back and bigger better than ever! "Let's head back to the bar!"

The Mugwugs, 27 June 2026 in Wadena, MN

Next up is the July 4th celebration on beautiful Lake Andrew in Alexandria, MN. Bring your pontoon or kayak and join the fun! It's gonna be a hot one! We start performing in the afternoon... and hopefully, the Douglas County Sheriff will be left alone!

Rehearsal Log: 25 April 2026

 

We had yet another productive rehearsal yesterday! We spent about five hours reviewing, arranging and  rearranging, working up to our first show.

We decided that Jackson Browne is pretty cool, so why not add one of his songs to our repertoire? Oh, and Buddy Holly! Of course! We have so many cool things to share with you we don't even know where to start.

Our next rehearsal is in a couple weeks, more to come!

Rehearsal Log, 28 March 2026

 We thought we should let you know we are alive and well! 

Yes, we took a bit of a hiatus this winter, but think of us as cute little chipmunks who don't like to go out in the cold; in fact, The Chipmunks would be a great name for a band, but that's already been taken. 

Oddly enough, Scott, Andy and Kevin have a weird fixation with The Chipmunks. But that's a whole other rehearsal log. 

Yesterday we kicked off the rust, broke a few guitar strings and splintered a drumstick or two. Between the bizarre band banter of Dr. Teeth and dancing muppets... to how mineral oil and water do not mix, we actually got some work done. A solid four hour rehearsal took us on a journey exploring new stuff, refreshing old stuff, and a spontaneous, accidental noodling of "Purple Rain." 

Taking a break in our rehearsal space, "Scott's Cave." 28 March 2026

We felt an homage to Neil Sedaka would be nice (since he recently passed) so we whipped up a Mugwugs version of one of his hits. 

We are also deciding on a Brian Wilson tune. He wrote a few good ones (just a few!) so it is a challenge settling on the right one. How much of a challenge? We've been debating it for a year.

We are also working on the possibility of Elvis entering the building (and then leaving the building -- he might need some help!). After all, we have an awesome Elvis impersonator, why not take complete, unabashed advantage of the situation?! More on that later.

"Girth" is still kickin' and we are working a new song (heck, maybe even two!) for him. 

More artists we are adding to our repertoire this summer: Jay and the Americans, April Wine, Eagles, The McCoys, "Weird Al" Yankovic, most likely more Alabama... and very possibly the Hollies and Train. 

How's THAT for variety?

Mugwugs Rehearsal, 13 December 2025

Yes, The Mugwugs are already thinking summer!

We braved this stupid polar vortex and had our first rehearsal for the upcoming 2026 season and we have lots of exciting stuff coming your way! 

It was a fun day of Yoda impressions, Spinal Tap and Airplane! references, Swedish and German interpretations of French phrases, sequined Elvis suits and expounding on the virtues of holy harmony water (in other words, a typical Mugwugs rehearsal).  

Somehow, we managed to learn six new songs in the process as well.

Anyway, Brian has a fancy new keyboard, Sam has a shiny new drum kit, and we dived into everything from April Wine to Elvis to “Weird Al” Yankovic (how is THAT for variety?)… heck, you might even hear something brand new from Girth? 

Next summer looks like it'll be a fun one! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Hey folks, we'd like to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! We'd like to especially thank you for coming out to our shows over these past few years and supporting live music! We couldn't do it without you.

We have several performances already scheduled for 2026 and we anticipate it is going to be a busy year. 

We've taken a short break, but we'll be starting rehearsals (with new music!) in December and we'll update our progress right here. Please check back frequently and follow along!

In the meantime, go get yourself some pumpkin pie!

Thousand Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest, 27 Sept 2025

 A little clip of the fun at Thousand Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest last night! Thanks to all who came out to support live music -- it was a great night!

Thousand Lakes Oktoberfest

 We are looking forward to performing (once again!) at Thousand Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 27th. We perform at 5:00 PM and we hope to see you there. This is a two day event and it is our honor to close the party with bang! Please come out and say hi and have some delicious Thousand Lakes Brewing beer. There are vendors, food, activities, contests and all kinds of fun!

This is our last scheduled show of 2025. As always, thank you for supporting live music.

Check out more at Thousand Lakes Brewing!

New York Mills, 13 Sept 2025

We did a little shindig near New York Mills, MN, last night. It felt good to get back in the swing of things after a short break. Thanks to the Lee's for letting us be a part of your celebration! 

Up next, Thousand Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest in Parker Prairie, MN, on 27 September 2025!

Here's a few short videos officially "from the soundboard" by our soundman, Neil.

The Mugwugs in Alexandria, August 9, 2025

 

A quick clip of The Mugwugs on the shores of Lake Andrew in Alexandria. 

Listen to the music all the time!!

Thousand Lakes Brewing Oktoberfest

 We are really excited to announce we will be performing at Thousand Lakes again this year! We can't wait! Hope to see you there...

"Music on the Lake" August 2, 2025

 We performed "Music on the Lake" on the shores of Lake Calhoun yesterday near Spicer, MN. We play this show every year on the deck in the backyard of our good friends Tim and Linda. It is a fun, laid back vibe. It is a beautiful view and the weather was perfect... (well, except for the smoke). 

“Girth” live in Verndale! July 26, 2025

 If you’ve never seen “Girth” in action, you’re missing something! Here’s a quick clip of him in action on a hot and sultry July night in Verndale, MN. 

Paradise Resort Bar and Grill, 19 July 2025

We had a fantastic night returning to the public stage after playing a whole bunch of private shows. 

Here are a few more pictures from Paradise Resort Bar and Grill that didn't make it on Facebook. We have been asked to come back to Upper South Long Lake next summer and we can't wait to do it! This is a fun, relaxing place to make music and the audiences are awesome!

The Mugwugs at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill, Brainerd MN, 19 July 2025.

Scooter on lead guitar. Hiding behind him is Brian (aka "Girth"). 

Kevin on acoustic. Sam is back there somewhere pounding the skins.

Andy holds down the bottom end with his big ol' Gibson.

Kevin singing up a storm in his shark shirt (say that five times fast)...

Girls night out, enjoying the Mugwugs!

 

July Itinerary

We have a busy month ahead of us! 

On July 5, we are performing on the shores of beautiful Marion Lake near Perham, MN, at a private party (we played here last year and we are back again!).

On July 19, we are back by popular demand at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill on the shores of Upper South Long Lake near Brainerd, MN.

Finally, on July 26 we are headlining Verndale Days in Verndale, MN, for the FIFTH consecutive summer!

We hope to see you all there!!

 

Clearwater, Minnesota. 7 June 2025

 Last night's event fundraiser in Clearwater was a great success! 

The Mugwugs were asked to be a part of this awesome event and we were more than happy to do our part to help a great cause. Here are some exclusive photos (not seen on Facebook)!

We were able to introduce several new songs last night, but our curfew forced us to keep a couple more in our back pocket until next time. And that's okay. 

Money was raised. Music was made. Fun was had. 

That's was it's all about!!!

Andy and Kevin were in the groove last night.

Live at the American Legion Post #323 in Clearwater, MN. 7 June 2025

Brian (aka "Girth Brooks") delivering the goods, while an amused Sam looks on.

Scott ripping up that Telecaster!

Our next show (public show, that is... we've got a bunch of private parties this year) will be at Paradise Resort Bar and Grill in Brainerd, MN, on 19 July 2025. More on that in the near future!

Photo credits: Bethany Branstner