The Violettes

Minneapolis band the Violettes, consisting of singer/keyboardist Sarah Khan, singer/drummer Scott Haughawout, guitarist Mark Ilaug, and bassist John Ancell, are actually two groups. As the Violettes, they play ethereal pop/rock. But they also appear (and in the same venues) under the name Softshow, adding distinct Eastern and classical elements, with Ilaug picking up the sitar and Ancell playing cello. The Violettes' self-released, self-titled debut album, released in October 2004, combines aspects of the two outfits. ~ William Ruhlmann