Fronted by Mineral Point’s native son Erik Kjelland, folk-rock band The Mascot Theory is a high-energy dose of toe-tapping Americana folk-country rock drenched in tight harmonies spewing lyrics of love, loss, regret, death, and hope. With groups like Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Dawes setting the tone, the sub-genre of acoustic folk-rock made its way to mainstream radio and captured an incredible and very loyal fan base.

The Mascot Theory will perform in the Mineral Point Opera House on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Reserved seating for the show will be $15 for all seats ($20 day of show). The show will begin at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at tickets.mpoh.org.

The Mascot Theory quickly moved up the popularity ranks of Madison’s music scene with their infectious songwriting and energetic live shows. They balance on an alternative folk influence and pull it together with a rootsy bluegrass blended Americana feel to give something that fits alongside their counterparts, but also has enough freshness to it to give it a unique spin and create their own sound as well, with a sonic backbone of 4-part harmony swells.

Since the band’s formation in 2011, The Mascot Theory has released five original albums and two live albums including 2020’s “Live at the Mineral Point Opera House: ” EP album. Along with a 2017 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) win for Best Male Vocalist (Erik Kjelland) and a nomination for Best Americana/folk artist, The Mascot Theory has won over 20 MAMA (Madison Area Music Association) awards including back to back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards.

They have played major festivals throughout Wisconsin including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and Mile of Music Festival, and have shared the stage with BoDeans, America, Don McLean, Vance Joy, Frank Turner, Chase Rice, Kaleo, The Wild Feathers, Guster, Blitzen Trapper, Cory Chisel, Andy Frasco and the UN, and Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.