Curtis & Loretta are a folk singer-songwriter duo, guided by their love of good songs and inspired by the
stories of people they have met in their over 40 years of touring. Weaving together soaring harmonies with a
wild menagerie of instruments that includes guitars, harp, mandocello, banjo, ukulele, kazoo, harmonica, and
percussion, the duo perform traditionally-inspired originals with humor and heart. Curtis’ down-home sense of
humor and Loretta’s theater background engage the audience in an experience that runs the gamut of rolling
with laughter to holding back tears, with plenty of side-trips in between. They rack up countless miles each
year, crisscrossing the country to deliver their own unique brand of folk singer/songwriter music.
Featuring Texas-born troubadour Curtis Teague and Minnesota-raised theater graduate Loretta Simonet, the
pair first met on the beach in Santa Cruz, California in the spring of 1977. Curtis had just returned to the
mainland from Hawaii and heard Loretta practicing for a variety show. He said, “Hey, I play guitar!” They sat
down together on a piece of driftwood to sing, and their vocal connection was undeniable. They played together
at the variety show that first night, and have been singing together ever since, as the duo Curtis & Loretta. They
married in Santiago, Mexico in 1987, and moved to Minneapolis, where they are still based.
Seven minivans and countless miles later, Curtis & Loretta have been named “Best Acoustic Performers of the
Twin Cities” (City Pages), landed on Folk Radio Chart’s “Top Albums of the Year” and performed with such
folk luminaries as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Vassar Clements, Claudia Schmidt and Holly Near. They have
also received several grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, including the Creative Support for
Individuals grant that backed their new album Lift the World – their 10th recording, which is already being
called “a generous cornucopia of beautifully crafted songs that speak from the heart of the struggles and joys of
life, performed with honesty, grace, and uncommon musicianship” (Chris Vallillo, Gin Ridge Music). Featuring
songs that were written during the pandemic, the album celebrates what is really important in this life from the
heartwarming to the heart breaking.
A former professional luthier, Curtis now limits his work to keeping his and Loretta’s instruments in working
order. When not busy with that, he loves treasure-hunting at antique and thrift stores. And Loretta loves tending
their tiny backyard garden and spending time with their little papillon dog Lulu. When they can, they take Lulu
on the road with them, and she even makes an appearance on their new album. Touring in support of their new
album, veteran performers Curtis & Loretta continue to delight audiences with their warmth, humor and
masterful musicianship.