The First Duo
Joe Tougas and Ann Fee have been performing as a duo for 20 years, changing band names only three times.
Fish Frye (2005-2012), The Frye (2012-2020), and now Joe & Ann.
Originally forming to play obscure one-hit-wonders of 1970s AM radio, the pair’s lush harmonies lent themselves nicely to a body of bright original tunes as well as the snappy little covers. Establishing themselves in southern Minnesota as a popular bar band, they fit nicely at festivals in the area including Rock Bend Folk Festival, MidTown Art Fair, Mid West Music Fest, Winter Dance Party, Kind of Like Some Artists (Replacements tribute) and a number of others.
Joe and Ann have shared stages with the Indigo Girls, John Hammond, Cloud Cult and others. Granted, much earlier in the day and before most people showed up. But they were on the posters, damn it. They were on the posters.
In 2015 they wrote and produced a successful stage play, “The Best of Hank and Rita” featuring 12 songs written by Tougas. The barroom operetta was performed in theaters, arts centers and bars in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois and its soundtrack was a critical favorite of the year.
The two continue performing and writing, with fan favorites including “Alumni Information,” “Mary Alice,” “Hydraulic,” “Richard’s II” and “Before We Die” among others. To hear more, book them today.