About 15 years ago Merle Krause attended a jam session in Austin that would lead him to meet a spectacular pianist.

Krause, who plays the drums, met a man by the name of John McAndrew — who mesmerized him with their ability to play with one another.

“Sometimes when musicians meet you don’t have to say anything to each other you just know,” Krause said. “I could just see John’s left hand and know what he was going to do next.”

Soon after they met, McAndrew was given the oportunity to record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. The studio has been home to some of the greatest names in the industry, such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and The Allman Brothers.

“I think he’s one of the greatest singer-songwriters that I’ve ever met,” Krause said.

The recording was the springboard to McAndrew’s career. A native of Wisconsin, McAndrew now calls Nashville his home. He has performed at venues from New York to Long Beach, Calif.

The pop and blues artist will return to the local area at a venue in which Merle Krause and his wife, Celeste, own.

On June 9, McAndrew will perform at the Lighthouse Event Center. The concert will be a CD release for his new album “I am Home.”

This is not the Nashville artists first trip to the area. McAndrew is making his second stop at the Lighthouse — his first came at the grand opening. He has also performed at the Freeborn County Fair and at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.

“We would love to see a full house for John,” Krause said.

Merle Krause and a quartet to be named will join him for the opening half of the two hour event. During the second half, McAndrew will return to the stage with local artists from Mankato, Minneapolis and Winona.

Having guests will be out of the norm for McAndrew, who normally performs as a one-man show.

“I hope the community will embrace this event and share this wonderful talent,” Merle Krause said. “We really put a lot of thought into who is performing.”

Tickets are available at Marshall Street Music, also owned by the Krause’s, as well as Hy-Vee, Stadheim Jewelers and the Coffee House on Main in Austin.

The concert will be the Thursday before Eddie Cochran Weekend.

“We don’t want this to draw any attention away from Eddie Cochran Weekend we just want to extend it into a week.”

McAndrew’s music is also featured in the new film starring Jennifer Espisito, Olympia Dukakis, Charles Durning and Stacy Keach called “Jesus, Mary and Joey.”

His music is also in the new film called “Jake’s Corner” starring Richard Tyson and Dianne Ladd.

Tickets, Please
Who: John McAndrew
Where: Lighthouse Event Center
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9
How much: $15 advance; $20 at door