W♥M

Shaw Brothers in 2022, part 2

Description Though featuring the Shaw Brothers custom brand of martial arts mayhem, HUMAN LANTERNS also taps into the early 80s craze for the American slasher film and the earlier Hammer horrors by providing a grisly take on the serial killer feature in an inimitable Hong Kong style. When an unbalanced craftsman decides to get revenge on two Kung Fu masters by creating special lanterns constructed from the human skin of their dead relatives, all hell breaks loose in this gruesome tale of bloody retribution. Taking its inspiration from movies like Psycho and real cases like Ed Gein, HUMAN LANTERNS is clearly not for the faint-hearted with its over the top gore and sadistic qualities but this slice of darker than dark fantasy still manages to be both wonderfully horrible and impressively entertaining. Read More Shaw Brothers Thankfully, their latest release for Jimmy Wang Yu’s The Chinese Boxer, is available domestically in the USA (their first simultaneous UK and US release). …

It seems that 88 Films is the only company releasing old classic Shaw Brothers martial arts film on a monthly/regular basis. I know that Arrow Video also has the license, but so far they’ve only release three items: Shaw Scope Vol 1, Come Drink With Me, and The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter. That was in December 2021, and April 2022… meanwhile, 88 Films has released about one Shaw Brothers title per month. So far, they’ve released five titles since 2022… with three more listed below.

I own or am planning on buying all of them, of course, and will be reporting when more Shaw Brothers titles are announced. Please, more Venoms and Chang Cheh titles.

Continued from Shaw Brothers in 2022.

Human Lanterns (1982)
Release date: ‎ June 7, 2022

I got the Bluray of Human Lanterns from Amazon in mid-June, so I haven’t had a lot of time to really get into it. I never liked the horror (with Martial Arts) film, but it’s one of the first Shaw Brothers DVD I purchased from Celestial Pictures (I would later buy the US version).

There are very few Shaw Brothers horror that I like. I like the Black Magic films, Boxer’s Omen and Bewitched is just the best. The more gruesome, the better, in my opinion.

The problem with Human Lanterns is that it’s a little tame compared to some of the other Shaw offerings. The human skinning looks bad, I think it’s cheesy… but everyone seems to think it’s gruesome. Boy, wait until you see Bewitched, it will blow away anything in Human Lanterns.

The audio commentary by Podcast On Fire (an obvious nod to City on Fire) wasn’t amazing either. I just thought it was a boring commentary. The worst is the interview with director Lau Wing. The audio is terrible. It is almost unwatchable with the sound. I suggest just putting on the subtitles and turning the audio off.

For casual Shaw Brothers fan, I wouldn’t recommend Human Lanterns. Personally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend this, even if you love horror film. It’s not a great horror film or a good martial arts film.

For those collecting the Shaw Brothers series, like myself, you’ll need to buy this. For the first run, it has all the standard 88 Film stuff: a nice slip case, new artwork, reversible poster, and booklet. You may not get the slip case and poster in later re-issues, so be sure to grab the Bluray now.

Also, this is just my opinion, but I really don’t care for the artist creating all these new 88 Films covers. I wish they would hire a different artist… maybe look at who Arrow Films hires for their art.

Hero (1997)
Release date: ‎ July 5, 2022

This is a title that I didn’t care for… first of all, it’s a late-90s Shaw Brothers film, which meant that most of their star directors and actors from the 70s and 80s have already gone on to doing other things. Also, this film is this is basically a rip off of Chang Cheh’s Boxer from Shantung (1972), but re-done for the modern (90s) audience. It doesn’t outshine the original, so, I suggest just buying the original film and call it a day.

Even the reviews, from Sandra Chang on Amazon said, “This is one, awful movie...the editing ruins the movie! The flow of the movie is interrupted with abrupt scene cuts. Certain scenes are sped up and look ridiculous. This is one of the worst edited movies I've ever seen...it's almost unwatchable.”

Still, because I’m such a loyal Shaw Brothers fan, I will buy this title when it comes out, July 5, 2022.

Martial Club (1981)
Release date: July 19, 2022.

So Martial Club is coming. It’s a Lau Kar-leung, so it tends to be on the comedy-side. It’s not one of my favorite film. I was always more of a Chang Cheh fan, anyway.

I previously own Martial Club on the US DVD and Hong Kong DVD, so I’m looking forward to the high definition treatment.

Description

A gloriously typical entry from Shaw Brothers, Martial Club starring Kara Wei (THE BRAVE ARCHER 2 and MAD MONKEY KUNG FU) and Gordon Liu (THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN) and directed by Lau Kar-Leung (LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA), affords us a fast-paced, cleverly choreographed piece of martial arts fun combining many elements that lovers of this kind of cinema will be more than appreciative of. Rival fight schools, an old master and beautifully designed set pieces tumble together in a colourfully kinaesthetic unceasing parade of flying fists and action set pieces. Bonus features include: Limited Edition Collectors Booklet with Behind the Scene Photos and writing by Critic and AuthorBarry Forshaw, Limited Edition Slipcase with new Artwork by Kung Fu Bob O'Brien, Reversible Artwork, Interviews with Hung San Nam and Tony Tam, Interview with Johnny Wang, ‘Kung Fu and Dancing’ - An Interview with Robert Mak, Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng, ‘Instructors of Death’ Trailer, Instructors of Death - Grindhouse Presentation, High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio, 2.0 DTS-HD MA Mandarin Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles, 2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (07/03/2022)

As you know, I post the W♥M Minneapolis preview calendar a month in advance. Things may have changed, and/or I just wanted to remind you about the shows that we will be covering this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

06/27 slenderbodies with Mokita at Fine Line Read More Slenderbodies UPDATE: Apparently Slenderbodies' entire tour was rescheduled. We write these previews months ago - so apologies for these last-min changes. The new Minneapolis date is now Jun 27th. …

06/27/2022 Monday

slenderbodies
with Mokita
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

Indie duo Slenderbodies (stylized as slenderbodies) was supposed to be in Minneapolis in Feb 2022, but “Slenderbodies' entire tour was rescheduled.”

The new Minneapolis date is now Jun 27th, which is coming up.

There’s also some updates about their new album Simple Shapes, set for June 10th, with preceding double-singles “Smilin” and “Miracle”.

Mokita to open.

Tour dates:

Jun 02 – Santa Barbara, CA @ SOhO Music Club
Jun 03 – San Diego, CA @ Music Box
Jun 04 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent
Jun 06 ­– Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
Jun 07 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Jun 09 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
Jun 10 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
Jun 11­ – Philadelphia, PA @ Foundry @ Fillmore
Jun 13 ­– Washington D.C. @ Union Stage
Jun 14 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Jun 15 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
Jun 17 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
Jun 18 – Montreal, ON @ Ritz
Jun 19 – Toronto, ON @ Adelaide Hall
Jun 21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Music Hall
Jun 22 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Bar
Jun 25 – Rothberg, MI @ Electric Forest
Jun 26 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Jun 27 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Café
Jun 30 ­– Denver, CO @ Gothic
Jul 01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Hanger House
Jul 03 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Jul 04 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore
Jul 05 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Jul 07 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall
Jul 08 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre

06/30 Liily with Catcher at 7th St Entry Read More Liily Los Angeles shoegaze band Liily (Dylan Nash, Sam De La Torre, Charlie Anastasis & Maxx Morando) will be touring in support of their debut record TV or Not TV. After being added to popular Spotify playlist, the band found themselves ....

06/30/2022 Thursday

Liily
with Catcher
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Los Angeles Liily is back in town! We just saw them about seven months ago, 7th Street Entry (2021-10-24) and wrote, “Liily is still a very new, but they they are very good and shows a lot of promise. Singer, Dylan Nash, reminds me of a stoic Ian Brown, while the band, guitarist Sam De La Torre, bassist Charlie Anastasis, and drummer Maxx Morando, plays post-punk, art-rock music. While the band didn’t mentioned their influences, I felt like they were inspired by a lot of UK-bands, as I hear sparks of The Fall and Gang of Four in their sound… which is a positive thing.”

Catcher to open.

Tour dates:

5/27-5/29 - Napa, CA - BottleRock Napa
6/1 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar #!
6/2 - Los Angeles, CA - Fonda Theatre #!
6/7 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios #!
6/8 - Vancouver, BC - The WISE Hall #!
6/9 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile #1
6/11 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater #
6/14 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live
6/15 - Houston, TX - The Secret Group
6/16 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada
6/17 - Memphis, TN - Carolina Watershed
6/18 - Indianapolis, IN - Hi-Fi
6/19 - Cleveland Heights, OH - Grog Shop
6/21 - Allston, MA - Brighton Music Hall *^
6/22 - Washington DC - DC9 *^
6/23 - Pittsburgh, PA - Spirit Lodge *^
6/24 - Philadelphia, PA - Silk City *^
6/25 - Brooklyn, NY - Market Hotel ^
6/26 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz *^
6/27 - Toronto, CA - Baby G *^
6/29 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle ^
6/30 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry ^
7/1 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown ^
7/3 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep ^
7/5 - Salt Lake City, UT - Hangar House ^

# Sunflower Bean
! Palehound
* with Model/Actriz
^ with Catcher

07/01 Steve Von Till (of Neurosis) with Helen Money at Turf Club Read More Neurosis 8/29/2019 Lexington - Los Angeles, CA ^ 8/31/2019 HOCO Fest - Tucson, AZ ^ * w/ Neurosis, Bell Witch ^ w/ Big|Brave …

07/01/2022 Friday

Steve Von Till (of Neurosis)
with Helen Money
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

The Neurosis frontman Steve Von Till is touring in support of his 2020 album No Wilderness Deep Enough.

Von Till explains, "’No Wilderness Deep Enough’ was new territory for me sonically, emotionally, and vocally, that I had been intently looking forward to the challenge of gathering a small group of musicians capable of interpreting it and putting myself out there in that uncomfortable but exciting realm of self-growth. It wasn't to be. Our live musical universe had been put on pause. Not wanting to lose the moment, I dreamt of having the set filmed professionally in a beautiful location with a nice piano and great sound. The answer came in the form of Roadburn Festival from Holland and their commitment to having a high quality online festival in 2021. I recruited Dave French on synthesizers, percussion, and guitar, Lori Goldston on cello, David Lutz on synthesizers, Eric Padget on french horn, and Oli Eshlemen on pedal steel.”

Helen Money to open.

Tour dates:

07/01: Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club
07/02: Milwaukee, WI - Back Room at Colectivo
07/03: Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
07/05: Detroit, MI - The Sanctuary
07/06: Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe
07/07: Rochester, NY - Bug Jar
07/08: Boston, MA - Sinclair
07/09: Brooklyn, NY - TV Eye
07/11: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
07/12: Washington, DC - DC9
07/13: Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
07/15: Atlanta, GA - The Earl
07/16: New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa
07/17: Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall
07/18: Austin, TX - The Ballroom
07/20: Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
07/22: Moran, WY - Fire in the Mountains
08/05: Spokane, WA - Lucky You Lounge
08/06: Seattle, WA - Neumos
08/07: Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
08/09: Oakland, CA - Starline Social Club
08/10: San Jose, CA - The Ritz
08/11: Los Angeles, CA - Zebulon
08/12: San Diego, CA - Casbah
08/13: Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
08/15: Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
08/16: Boise, ID - Neurolux

07/03 Puscifer with Moodie Black at Palace Theatre Read More Puscifer Maynard James Keenan of Tool and A Perfect Circle, is also the mainstay behind Puscifer, a band he considers to be his "creative subconscious" - and how creative it was when the band’s “Money $hot Heard Round the World Tour” …

07/03/2022 Sunday

Puscifer
with Moodie Black
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

American rock group formed Puscifer (led by Tool/A Perfect Circle’s Maynard James Keenan) is returning to the Twin Cities this July 3rd. The group latest release is called Existential Reckoning.

We saw Puscifer in Mar 2016 and wrote, “Lights then went dark, the wrestling ring moved back and musician platforms moved quickly into place as Puscifer took to the stage for their headlining set, after almost no downtime in-between. As the crew fine-tuned everything, a video warning from side stage monitors by one Major Douche (one of Keenan’s many personas) cautioned against any cameras or cellphone use, which was also reinforced by the tighter-than-normal security.”

Minneapolis noise rap duo Moodie Black to open. They are signed to renown indie hip-hop label, Fake Four Inc.

Tour dates:

Jun 9 Las Vegas, NV, US Reynolds Hall
Jun 11 Phoenix, AZ, US Arizona Federal Theatre
Jun 12 Outdoor Los Angeles (LA), CA, US The Greek Theatre
Jun 14 Albuquerque, NM, US Kiva Auditorium
Jun 15 Austin, TX, US Bass Concert Hall
Jun 16 Dallas, TX, US McFarlin Auditorium, SMU
Jun 21 Atlanta, GA, US Coca-Cola Roxy
Jun 22 Durham, NC, US DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
Jun 24 Philadelphia, PA, US The Met Philadelphia
Jun 25 Brooklyn, NY, US Kings Theatre
Jun 26 Wallingford, CT, US Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Jun 28 Boston, MA, US House of Blues - Boston
Jun 29 Pittsburgh, PA, US Stage AE
Jul 1 Rochester Hills, MI, US Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Jul 2 Chicago, IL, US The Chicago Theatre
Jul 3 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre
Jul 5 Omaha, NE, US The Admiral-ne
Jul 6 Denver, CO, US Mission Ballroom
Jul 7 Salt Lake City, UT, US Eccles Theater
Jul 9 Portland, OR, US Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Jul 10 Seattle, WA, US McCaw Hall, Seattle Center

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Strange Tales: Men and Crimes of the Future

Men (2022) Read More Alex Garland I am a big fan of A24, the film distributor/producer, ever since Alex Garland’s excellent film Ex Machina in 2015. To be fair, I’m a big Garland fan, owning all his films, including Dredd (owned this twice!), 28 Days Later …

Men (2022)
a24films.com

I love Alex Garland, I love A24, so naturally, I sought out this film. Men is a folk horror film. The Green Man element (the nature part) of the film really reminded me of former horror films like The Wicker Man and Midsomer… all under that folk horror subcategory.

Men is about a woman named Harper Marlowe, who is trying to heal and cope after her husband’s suicide. She goes on holiday at a nice quiet Cotson manor in a small village.

It’s anything but a relaxing stay, as slowly it becomes a horror story about a woman trying to survive all alone. At first, it’s just small, everyday out of place things, like seeing a shadowy figure on the other side of the tunnel. Seeing a naked man outside of an abandoned structure. Those kind of weird unsettling things.

While the first half of the film is slow-burning horror… the second part is more intense and in your face. It’s clear that someone, or perhaps something supernatural, is stalking Harper. Is it in her head or is it real?

Personally speaking, I would have prefer if the movie would have been vague about reality vs the supernatural… but at the end, it’s all supernatural, especially the end with the various birthing.

To me, how I interpreted the film, that the whole thing was in Harper’s head, down her her crashing her car.

Like Garland’s previous Devs television show, I thought the title was bad. My thoughts for Men is the same… the name is just a bad name for a horror film. I know it’s cliché, but they could’ve just called this A Haunting at Cotson Manor, and it would’ve been a better title.

Crimes of the Future (2022) Read More David Cronenberg I'm a big David Cronenberg fan, owning many of his releases on DVDs (including Rabid, Fast Company, The Brood, Videodrome, The Dead Zone, The Fly, Crash, Naked Lunch, Eastern Promises) so I'm really in no hurry to make …

Crimes of the Future (2022)
crimesofthefuture.film

I love David Cronenberg and own many Cronenberg films, including Scanners, Videodrome, and The Fly. I even thought eXistenZ was genius, but for whatever reason, Crimes of the Future didn’t sit right (pun intended for the weird chair in the film) with me.

I actually own Cronenberg’s student film Crimes of the Future from 1970, but it’s not related to the 2022 film… it only shares the title. In this new film, it’s about how humans have evolved beyond or adapted to their polluted environment.

The story is about this guy named Saul Tenser, who has this syndrome, where his body develops new organs. They would constantly remove these new organs and use the surgery as performance art. The whole thing is weird… but it’s definitely a Cronenberg concept of using surgery as a metaphor for sex (like how he used car crashes as sex in Crash).

While I think the concepts and ideas are interesting, it doesn’t make for a good story, in my opinion. The story doesn’t really go anywhere and it just felt boring to me.

Personally speaking, I wish Cronenberg would do more of a eXistenZ sequel, or expand, on the video game/reality story. You can certainly explore more and go further, because it’s a brand new world of Cronenberg’s creation and not bound by rules of the earth… even if it’s in the future.

If you’re looking for a fresh Cronenberg perspective, I suggest checking out his son, Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor. This is a hard-core science fiction/horror film that is a lot more exciting than Crimes of the Future. If you want to stay in the David Cronenberg films, I suggest watching Videodrome and Scanners… they are classic Cronenberg.

Read more Movies and Television.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Billy Howerdel at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (24 June 2022)

Billy Howerdel Setlist Beautiful Mistake The Same Again Ani Bring Honor Back Home Selfish Hearts Poison Flowers Drum solo by Greyson Nekrutman Follower Forever Can Be (Ashes Divide song) Free and Weightless EXP Stars Vowws Setlist The Season The Great Sun Losing Myself ESSEFF Stranger Symbol System One by One Read More Billy Howerdel Supergroup A Perfect Circle (featuring guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan) is back in 2017 for a rare tour and promotion of a pending forth studio album ... Vowws Opening the night was Vowws, a Los Angeles-based post-punk duo playing self-described “Australian death pop” who we last saw in 2017. Their newest full-length is 2018’s Under the World (on Anti-Language Records) ...

A Perfect Circle’s guitarist Billy Howerdel headlined the Fine Line Music Café on Friday, June 24th, 2022, in support to his debut solo album What Normal Was via Alchemy Recordings, Rise Records, and BMG.

Opening the show was Los Angeles’ Vowws (not to be confused with Vows). The duo featured Matt on guitars and Rizz (with skull makeup) on keys. They traded vocals depending on their song, playing a goth/industrial music to a backdrop of video imagery.

We first saw the duo in Feb 2017 and mentioned, “probably the only Australian/Iranian dark industrial experimental LA-based duo that you’ll ever encounter” and described their music as “the likes of Sisters of Mercy, Swans, newer Gary Numan, and anything goth on the same record label.”

The band worked extensively with Los Angeles artist Jesse Draxler, who collaborated with Poppy for the artwork for I Disagree, so somehow, Vowws was asked to support Poppy on that tour, which we caught in Feb 2020 and said, “The duo’s boy/girl vocals juxtapose like a beam of light amongst their throbbing industrial electro dark beats and songs that build like a sonic plague enveloping the wasteland and their sound is recommended to any fans of Vowws’ former label, Cleopatra Records.”

Vowws’ latest single, “One By One” (with B-Side “Shadow Man”) was the set closer.

Billy Howerdel joined the Tool live crew during their tour and recording of Ænima, and offered his services to any Maynard James Keenan’s future projects. That’s how Howerdel became a founding member of A Perfect Circle. Between A Perfect Circle’s breaks (which happens if Tool or Puscifer are on tour), Howerdel created his solo project called Ashes Divide in 2008.

In 2022, Howerdel announced that he was recording under his own name, and his debut solo album What Normal Was was set for June 10th, on Alchemy Recordings, Rise Records, and BMG. The first single, “Poison Flowers” was played in the middle of the set.

Howerdel’s live band featured Nylo on keyboards, Greyson Nekrutman on drums, Eliot on bass, and Danny Lohner (aka Renholdër from NIN) on guitars.

Musically, Howerdel sounded like he is going for a dark The Cure or UK bands.

He played one Ashes Divide song, “Forever Can Be” near the end of his set.

Remaining tour dates:

Jun 26 St Louis, MO, US Delmar Hall
Jun 28 Chicago, IL, US Metro
Jun 29 Columbus, OH, US Newport Music Hall
Jul 1 Rochester Hills, MI, US Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Jul 5 Boston, MA, US Brighton Music Hall Presented By Citizens
Jul 6 New York (NYC), NY, US Gramercy Theatre
Jul 8 Philadelphia, PA, US Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
Jul 9 Baltimore, MD, US Baltimore Soundstage
Jul 10 Charlotte, NC, US The Underground
Jul 12 Atlanta, GA, US The Masquerade
Jul 14 New Orleans, LA, US House of Blues - New Orleans
Jul 15 Houston, TX, US White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs
Jul 16 Dallas, TX, US The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Jul 17 Austin, TX, US Emo's Austin
Jul 20 Phoenix, AZ, US Crescent Ballroom
Jul 22 Phoenix, AZ, US Crescent Ballroom

Vowws

Vowws

Billy Howerdel

Billy Howerdel

Billy Howerdel at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (24 June 2022)

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Meghan Murphy at the Woman’s Club (6/23/2022)

Read More Meghan Murphy The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis is proud to present Meghan Murphy in the long-awaited Twin Cities debut of her performance of “The Big Red Show” on Thursday, June 23. … Twin Cities Pride It’s pride month, and Twin Cities Pride Festival is bringing their biggest show yet this Saturday at Loring Park. With over 400 exhibitors and four free music stages, this is a LGBTQ+ friendly environment for the whole family …

The Twin Cities Pride Festival kicked off its weekend celebration with the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis hosting Meghan Murphy and her Big Red Show.  The show had a summer-start feel as the host, Kevin Winge, sported his finest seersucker suit and invited the crowd to return on Saturday night and enjoy the Pride Festival’s fireworks display from the rooftop of the Woman’s Club.

Winge then introduced Monica West to the stage. West a female impersonator for 36 years strutted and sashayed to “Le Jazz Hot” before grabbing the mike and working the crowd like a seasoned standup comic.  She was hilarious, searching the crowd for any straight men to rib and jest before moving into a short bio of how she arrived at this stage.  It was funny and touching and after 36 years in the biz, with 16 years as emcee at the Gay 90’s, she told the crowd that she was onto a new adventure with hopes of opening Roxy’s Cabaret just down the street.  “Soon,” she said.

West then invited her “new best friend” onto the stage and Meghan Murphy with her Big Red dress and Big Red hair appeared with her three-piece band to start off the set with Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” 

A proclaimed gaycon, Murphy is based out of Chicago but has been all over the world with a killer voice and an expansive musical portfolio, ranging from musical genres of pop, jazz and blues to folk, soul and show tunes.

Murphy’s own website describes her as a “… combination of Lucille Ball, Bonnie Raitt, Rita Hayworth and Etta Jones.”  The Chicago Sun Times describes her as a “… sparkling redhead with a dynamic voice.”  What she brought to the Woman’s Club was buoyant enthusiasm by channeling the spirits of her three favorite divas, “Judy, Barbara and Bette.” 

Like West, Murphy also gave a brief bio by changing the lyrics to Reba McEntire’s “Fancy.”  She even did a leg split to the salty “Everybody’s Girl” from the musical, Steel Pier, then provided a hilarious rendition of “Long John Blues.” 

photo courtesy of Woman’s Club Facebook

Like the best of cabaret shows, there was plenty of burlesque ribaldry to keep the audience howling with either laughter or shock.  Even after the subdued “Make You Feel My Love” from Bob Dylan, Murphy immediately said, “Enough of that sappy Sh--!”

Murphy was there to have a good time and thankful to be in Minneapolis at the Woman’s Club to help kick off the 50^th Anniversary of the Pride Festival.

“Happy to be in front of an audience,” she said, after Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me.”  “It was a rough couple of years.  Well you know… You were there.”

Murphy had no intention on dwelling on the subject.  Based on her song selections, she wanted to a positive feeling of empowerment to emanate.  Even when singing Otis Redding’s wistful “Dock of the Bay”, you couldn’t help think that even if she was sitting on a pier all by herself, she was going to belt-out the words for all to hear.  

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: July 13 to July 20

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

07/13 Adrian Belew at Turf Club Read More Adrian Belew Guitar legend Adrian Belew (with his new quartet featuring Jordan Perlson on drums, Saul Zonana on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, and bassist Julie Slick) will be playing the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis on March 6, 2019. …

07/13/2022 Wednesday

Adrian Belew
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

Acclaimed guitarist Adrian Belew, will kick off his 2022 tour at the Turf Club, in St Paul, on July 13th, in support of his 25th solo record, Elevator. Adrian’s touring trio will include bassist Julie Slick and drummer Johnnie Luca.

We caught Belew in March 2019 and wrote, “Belew’s resume, spread over more than four decades, speaks for itself as being the guitarist of choice to call, by the likes of Zappa, Byrne, Bowie, Simon, and Reznor. That, along with his fabled long period in progressive group King Crimson, make Belew one of the premier guitarists of our time.”

Tour dates:

7/13/22 - Turf Club, St. Paul, MN
7/14/22 - Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
7/15/22 - Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
7/16/22 - Hi-Fi Annex, Indianapolis, IN
7/18/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/19/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/21/22 - The Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH
7/22/22 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH
7/23/22 - Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
7/24/22 - The Oaks Theater, Oakmont, PA
7/26/22 - City Winery, Nashville, TN
7/27/22 - City Winery, Atlanta, GA
7/29/22 - The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC
7/30/22 - City Winery, Washington, DC
7/31/22 - Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
8/1/22 - Ashland Theatre, Ashland, VA
8/3/22 - Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT
8/4/22 - The Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
8/5/22 - City Winery, Boston, MA
8/6/22 - The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
8/14/22 - Center for the Arts of Homer, Homer, NY
8/16/22 - City Winery, Philadelphia, PA
8/18/22 - City Winery, New York, NY
8/19/22 - The Egg, Albany, NY
8/20/22 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

07/14 Mitski with Indigo De Souza at Surly Brewing Festival Field Read More Mitski If you’re one of the cool kids, you’ll be at this upcoming sold out Mitski show at First Avenue’s mainroom. It’s quite a difference, considering that it was only Nov 2015 that Mitski made her debut at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis. …

07/14/2022 Thursday

Mitski
with Indigo De Souza
at Surly Brewing Festival Field
first-avenue.com

We just saw Mitski at the Palace Theatre in St Paul, on 14 Mar 2022, and wrote, “Japanese / American singer / songwriter Mitski headlined the Palace Theatre, in St Paul, on Monday night… bringing in her story-songs from Laurel Hell. The songs are so good that the Guardian had to dub her the “best young songwriter” earlier in February.”

If you missed that show, here’s your second chance to see the story of Laurel Hell by Mitski at the Surly Brewing Festival Field. It is all ages, despite being held at the beer company’s field.

Also note, event starts at 5:30pm (music at 7pm), and I recommend arriving early to get a free event parking spot.

Indigo De Souza to open.

Tour dates:

July 14 - Minneapolis, MN @ Surly Brewing Festival Field %
July 16 - Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
July 22 - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall#
July 23 - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall #
July 24 - Philadelphia, PA @ @ Franklin Music Hall #
July 26 - Boston, MA @ Roadrunner #
July 27 - Boston, MA @ Roadrunner #
July 28 - Providence, RI @ Bold Point Park #
July 30 - Montreal, QC @ Osheaga
Aug. 9 - Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield
Aug 10 - Burnaby, BC @ Deer Lake Park ~
Aug 12 - Seattle, WA @ Day In Day Out Festival
Sep 16 - Sep 18 - Los Angeles, CA @ Primavera Sound LA

% support from Indigo De Souza
# support from The Weather Station
~ support from Hurray For The Riff Raff

07/19 Cola with Palm Friends and Battery Eyes at 7th St Entry Read More Ought Montreal quartet Ought is currently touring North America for their latest album Sun Coming Down (available now on Constellation Records). … US Girls It’s a shame, but London’s Shame had to cancel their appearance. They were replaced by U.S. Girls, who said, “We’re the best replacement you'll ever get.” .…

07/19/2022 Tuesday

Cola
with Palm Friends and Battery Eyes
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Cola is the new project from Ought members Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy and US Girls/The Weather Station drummer Evan Cartwright. Their debut album Deep in View is available now via Fire Talk Records.

Palm Friends and Battery Eyes to open.

Tour dates:

06.18 - Montreal, QC @ Suoni il Popolo Fest
06.20 - Winooski, VT @ Monkey House
06.21 - Providence, RI @ AS220s
06.22 - Kingston, NY @ Tubby's
06.23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right
06.24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
06.25 - Washington, DC @ DC9
06.27 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle (Back Room)
06.28 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
06.29 - Nashville, TN @ DRKMTTR
07.01 - Dallas, TX @ Ruins
07.02 - Austin, TX @ The Parish
07.05 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
07.06 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
07.07 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
07.08 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
07.10 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
07.11 - Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore
07.12 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
07.14 - Boise, ID @ Neurolux
07.16 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
07.18 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
07.19 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
07.20 - Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
07.22 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Bag
07.23 - Toronto, ON @ Baby G
8.20 - Crickhowell, UK @ Green Man Festival
8.23 - Brighton, UK @ Prince Albert
8.24 - London, UK @ Moth Club
8.25 - Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds
8.26 - Bristol, UK @ Rough Trade Bristol
8.27 - Birkenhead, UK @ Future Yard
8.28 - Sunderland, UK @ Pop Recs Ltd.
8.30 - Edinburgh, UK @ Sneaky Pete's
8.31 - Glasgow, UK @ Broadcast
9.1 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
9.2 - Nottingham, UK @ Rough Trade
9.3 - Manchester, UK @ Manchester Psych Fest (Yes)
9.4 - Salisbury, UK @ End of the Road Festival

07/20 Tim Heidecker Live! at The Fitzgerald Theater Read More Tim Heidecker Coming on the stage to Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al", Tim Heidecker knocked over the mic stand and fumbled for the microphone on stage. When the music didn't stop, Heidecker said, "Cut the music!" But the song continued …

07/20/2022 Wednesday

Tim Heidecker Live!
at The Fitzgerald Theater
first-avenue.com

Comedian and songwriter Tim Heidecker will be playing the Fitzgerald Theater in St Paul on July 20th, in support of his album High School (Spacebomb Records).

The show is in two acts, the first half is stand-up comedy, featuring Heidecker’s “No More Bullsh**” character, and the second part of the show will feature Tim Heidecker and his band The Very Good Band (drummer Josh Adams, bassist Eliana Athayde, and guitarist Catfish Connor).

Tim Heidecker Live! Featuring Tim Heidecker and the Very Good Band Dates

Tue. July 5 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Wed. July 6 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Thu. July 7 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Fri. July 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Sat. July 9 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Sun. July 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Mon. July 11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Elysian Theatre
Wed. July 13 - San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts
Fri. July 15 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater (Early Show)
Fri. July 15 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater (Late Show)
Sat. July 16 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
Sun. July 17 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
Wed. July 20 - St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theater
Thu. July 21 - Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
Fri. July 22 - Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
Sat. July 23 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
Sun. July 24 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
Mon. July 25 - Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
Wed. July 27 - Boston, MA @ The Wilbur
Thu. July 28 - Providence, RI @ Columbus Theatre
Fri. July 29 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
Sat. July 30 - Washington, DC @ Capital Turnaround
Sun. July 31 - Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre
Mon. Aug. 1 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Wed. Aug. 3 - Houston, TX @ Heights Theater
Thu. Aug. 4 - Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
Fri. Aug. 5 - Dallas, TX @ The Studio at the Factory
Sun. Aug. 7 - St. Charles, IA @ Hinterland Festival
Mon. Aug. 8 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
Tue. Aug. 9 - Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
Wed. Aug. 10 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union
Fri. Aug. 12 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
Mon. Aug. 22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
Tue. Aug. 23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
Wed. Aug. 24 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
Thu. Aug. 25 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
Fri. Aug. 26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Fitz and the Tantrums w St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Devon Gilfillian at GrindersKC (2022-06-21)

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS SETLIST OCD Complicated Spark Don't Go to Work it Out More Than Just a Dream Out of My League 123456 Sway Fool 6AM I Need Help! Livin' for the Weekend Moneygrabber ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES SETLIST Atlas 3000 AD Mass The Last Dance Flow With It Minotaur Sanctify Chicken Pox LivWithOutU Magnolia Trees Like a Mighty River Got it Bad > Sax solo of spottieottiedopaliscious by Outkast Apollo Grass Is Greener Convex Call Me DEVON GILFILLIAN SETLIST Even Though It Hurts High Unchained Come Back Baby What's Going On (Marvin Gaye cover) Love You Anyway Troublemaker Read More Fitz and the Tantrums There’s really no doubt left– Fitz and the Tantrums are no longer a secret locally; rather, are firmly established as a party-starting, crowd-inducing good time band that everyone now has their eye on. … St. Paul and the Broken Bones They may look like the company photo of your accountants or law team, but underneath that façade, St. Paul and the Broken Bones soulfully proves you can’t judge a book by its cover. …

Triple-digit heat index, lightning and rolling thunder, Tantrums and Broken Bones...Welcome to the first day of summer in Kansas City--

There was no shortage of drama as one of the concert season’s strongest bills (and certainly its most soulful) – Fitz and The Tantrums with St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Devon Gilfillian, played GrindersKC in downtown Kansas City to celebrate the longest day of the calendar year.

The evening began with a short but convincing set from Nashville (via Philly) blues/soul singer-guitarist Devon Gilfillian, who we first caught live back in 2019 as support for Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan. In both appearances, he seemed to persuade the audience enough by the end of the set, to gain many new fans, most of which probably hadn’t even heard his name prior.

Gilfillian has expanded his Grammy-nominated Black Hole Rainbow album into a deluxe version, and also promises additional new music coming this fall and also in the meantime cut a track-by-track cover of Marvin Gaye’s classic album What’s Goin’ On (with all proceeds to The Equity Alliance).

He started his set with “Even Though it Hurts” from Black Hole Rainbow and previewed a few newer songs, most giving him a chance to flex his guitar muscles as well and brought out Fitz and The Tantrums’ sax player and musical director, James King, to embellish the Marvin Gaye cover.

===

We’ve been fans of Birmingham, AL indie-soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones since they formed just over a decade ago, still remembering their first Twin Cities visit in 2014 (with Lizzo guest appearance!) where they had sold out their biggest show to date.

The band’s look and sound has somewhat evolved since we saw them back then- all in short hair, sharp suits and wingtip shoes, with 2022 album The Alien Coast (on ATO Records) breaching more psych and dance inspiration, though singer Paul Janeway (now in a baseball cap and casual jacket) still vocally delivers like an Otis Redding/Wilson Pickett.

Their seventy-minute set was peppered with more conceptual tracks from the newest record and older songs including “Magnolia Trees”, a rarity about Janeway’s daughter they’d only performed live twice before.

“This is a lot like Birmingham” Janeway remarked early, feeling the heat and humidity, though never took off his jacket. Despite the abbreviated time, the set did allow each of the band members to at least briefly show their skills, including sax player Amari Ansari who borrowed part of a 1998 Outkast track as part of his late set solo.

During 2016’s “Sanctify” the restless Janeway announced “I’m comin’ out there to see you for a little bit” and walked amongst the crowd with hand held high, then made his way behind the soundboard and up the ladder to the structure’s roof to serenade everyone from where the high spotlights were located. 2014’s triumphant “Call Me” closed out their exhilarating set.

===

We can confidently say we’ve seen Fitz and The Tantrums in all kinds of weather and over a hundred-degree temperature range. We first caught the LA soul/dance-pop band in early Feb 2011 in a small Minneapolis club while sub-zero temps swirled outside and several more times over the next decade including some summer outdoor shows, though maybe none as warm as this night (something Fitz verbally noticed as being the hottest of the tour too).

The six-piece (Michael Fitzpatrick– vocals/keys; Noelle Scaggs– vocals/percussion; James King– sax/flute/keys; Joseph Karnes– bass; Jeremy Ruzumna– keys; John Wicks – drums) is still riding high on 2019’s fourth studio album, All The Feels (Elektra Records) and we saw them twice that Spring before the pandemic crept in and scuttled further touring. The good news is, in addition to being back on the road, they’ve just released new single, “Sway” a summertime ode and taste of the new album expected this September.

Arms swayed back and forth during 2013’s “6AM” while clouds gathered above and the sky gradually grayed, providing relief from the heat, but also a precursor to oncoming weather changes. Singer Scaggs said that “I Need Help” from the newest record had meant even more to her during the pandemic, helping her to focus on her own mental health and hopefully showing people that they are not alone in any day-to-day struggles. (Coincidentally, an altercation occurred up front during the song, with Scaggs noticing and calling for security to assist).

“It’s only Tuesday?! We’re just going to have to live vicariously through this song”, Fitz remarked before “Livin’ for the Weekend” an All the Feels song only available digitally. As increased lightning flashed above and clouds continued to gather, the band moved briskly to their breakthrough hit, “Moneygrabber”, just getting it in before the band was forced to stop with the bad weather approaching.

What was meant to be a delay, unfortunately turned into the end as winds picked up and rain would soon start, so the last five or six songs of the set were unfortunately not heard.

Despite the evening’s changing weather (high humidity and triple-digit heat into lightning, thunder and storms) and a shortened headlining set, the triple bill of Fitz and The Tantrums, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Devon Gilfillian was an affirming and generally positive evening and a welcome way to officially start the Kansas City summer.

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS TOUR DATES 23 JUN WALMART ARKANSAS MUSIC PAVILION (AMP) Rogers, AR * 24 JUN WATER WORKS PARK Des Moines, IA * 25 JUN HARRAH'S COUNCIL BLUFFS CASINO & HOTEL Council Bluffs, IA * 29 JUL KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER, TRUMAN WATERFRONT Key West, FL # 30 JUL HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO Orlando, FL # 31 JUL SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO Tampa, FL # 02 AUG KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE Cary, NC # 03 AUG FILENE CENTER AT WOLF TRAP Washington, DC # 04 AUG SUMMERSTAGE, CENTRAL PARK New York NY # 06 AUG LEADER BANK PAVILION Boston, MA # 07 AUG CIGALE 2022 Québec, QC, Canada 09 AUG FREEMAN ARTS PAVILION Selbyville, DE # 11 AUG INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Interlochen, MI # 12 AUG RIVEREDGE PARK Aurora, IL # 13 AUG PALACE THEATRE St. Paul, MN # 14 AUG ST. LOUIS MUSIC PARK St Louis, MO # 17 AUG GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER Vail, CO # 18 AUG SANDY AMPHITHEATER Sandy, UT # 20 AUG FORD IDAHO CENTER Nampa, ID # 21 AUG CHATEAU STE MICHELLE WINERY Woodinville, WA # 22 AUG KETTLEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER Bonner, MT # 23 AUG MCMENAMIN'S GRAND LODGE Forest Grove, OR # 25 AUG THE MOUNTAIN WINERY Saratoga, CA # 26 AUG GREEN MUSIC CENTER Rohnert Park, CA # 27 AUG THE GREEK THEATRE Los Angeles, CA # 15 OCT CHEVROLET MAINSTAGE Dallas, TX 19 NOV WONDERFRONT FESTIVAL WATERFRONT PARK San Diego, CA 17-21 FEB 2023 SAIL ACROSS THE SUN Miami, FL * = with St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Devon Gilfillian # - with Andy Grammer

ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES TOUR DATES JUN 23 Walmart AMP (Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion) Rogers, AR JUN 24 Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park Des Moines, IA JUN 25 Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino Council Bluffs, IA JUL 7- 10 Northern Lights Festival Boréal Greater Sudbury, Canada JUL 11 Meyer Theatre Green Bay, WI JUL 12 St. Andrew's Hall Detroit, MI JUL 12 Saint Andrew's Hall Detroit, MI JUL 13 Thalia Hall Chicago, IL JUL 14 Thalia Hall Chicago, IL JUL 16 Overton Park Shell Memphis, TN JUL 20 Kesselhaus, Berlin JUL 21 Zuiderpark Live The Hague, NL JUL 22 Bataclan Paris, Île-de-France JUL 24 Paradiso Amsterdam, NL JUL 26 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, UK JUL 28 - JUL 31 Cambridge Folk Festival 2022 Cambridge, UK JUL 28 Electric Ballroom London, UK JUL 29 O2 Academy Bristol, UK AUG 2 Old Fruitmarket Glasgow, Scotland AUG 5 Magic City Blues Festival Billings, MT AUG 13 Phillips At The Backyard Victoria, BC AUG 14 Ambleside Festival West Vancouver, Canada AUG 25 The Pageant St Louis, MO AUG 26 Sacred Rose Bridgeview, IL AUG 27 Palace Theatre Saint Paul, MN SEP 15 Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival Fredericton, NB SEP 18 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival Huddleston, VA SEP 22 Tennessee Theatre Knoxville, TN SEP 23 The Signal Chattanooga, TN SEP 29 The Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA SEP 30 - OCT 2 Ohana Fest Dana Point, CA OCT 2 Oceans Calling Ocean City, MD OCT 13 Charleston Music Hall Charleston, SC

(click on any image to enlarge and see in full)

Devon Gilfillian

Devon Gilfillian

St Paul and the Broken Bones Setlist

Devon Gilfillian w/James King

St Paul and the Broken Bones

St Paul and the Broken Bones

St Paul and the Broken Bones

St Paul and the Broken Bones

St Paul and the Broken Bones

St Paul and the Broken Bones

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums at GrindersKC (2022-06-21)

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

The Rainmakers at Olathe Live!, Olathe KS (2022-06-17) review

THE RAINMAKERS SETLIST One More Summer The One That Got Away The Other Side of the World Long Gone Long Rockin' At The T-Dance Like Dogs Width of a Line Hoo Dee Hoo Small Circles Snakedance Shiny Shiny Given Time Even With the Wind (Jeff Porter cover) Missouri Girl The Lakeview Man Spend It on Love Sh*thole Town Nobody Knows Reckoning Day 13th Spirit The Wages of Sin I Talk with my Hands Downstream -- Encore -- Information Let My People Go-Go Read More Rainmakers Kansas City based singer-songwriter, musician and painter Bob Walkenhorst, the lead singer of The Rainmakers, was making his first area appearance in five years. The occasion was the Rock n’ Jock Expo …

“Sometimes you write a song… and it’s kinda poking fun at some place… but it never crosses you mind, when you’re writing that derogatory song, that you’ll be playing in that place again…!” - Bob Walkenhorst

Sometimes musicians have to change their tune… but would the town forgive him?

Midwest 80’s radio stalwarts and Americana rockers The Rainmakers emerged from the pandemic hiatus to play a show in suburban Olathe, KS as part of the city’s Olathe Live! summer concert series.

The band that started as bar trio Steve, Bob & Rich had played sporadically since reforming in 2011 and were hit with the bad news in 2020 that founding former guitarist Steve Phillips had passed away from Covid complications, but have endured and remain a Kansas City area favorite and are still especially popular in Norway.

Fans on the open grassy knoll near the town’s City Hall and Community Center assembled their lawn chairs, dug out old tour shirts, and danced in front of the stage to late 80s/early ‘90s songs that were staples on Midwest FM album rock radio.

Though a free show, the band didn’t skimp or phone things in, as the audience was treated to a full 1hr47min set with bassist Rich Ruth even driving in from Nashville (overcoming a flat tire in East St Louis, MO) to make the gig.

Singer Bob Walkenhorst remains a vibrant performer and his twangy, howling vocals are mostly intact, honed by a semi-residency at an area bar and often performs solo, at house concerts, and as a duo with his daughter, Una.

“One More Summer” from 1986 album Tornado was an ideal opener on this warm and humid evening and while they played songs from their four decade career, fans responded most to those from the first couple albums. Walkenhorst had mentioned that the last time the band had played together, was last August and the prior time, some two years before that, as the jangly opening chords introduced “Long Gone Long”.

Walkenhorst revealed his family had just gotten a new puppy the day before, dedicating 2011’s “Like Dogs” to their new addition and Olathe’s own Jeff Porter took center stage and lead vocals as the guitarist played “Even with the Wind” from his solo record. A backwoods riff began the “almost true” story of 1987’s “The Lakeview Man”, a song that would later inspire fan Stephen King for his novel, Gerald’s Game.

And then it was the moment, the part in the set where Walkenhorst had to semi-apologize in the quote above for referencing Olathe by name in their 2014 derogatory song, “Sh*thole Town” calling out The Cowboy Palace (perhaps a former bar) singing, “I’d rather be any place but here”. With laughing and applause from the crowd, it’s safe to say the crowd took it all in stride and easily forgave the band for any ill comments.

After an energetic “I Talk with My Hands” and second single from 1986, “Downstream” (a song set on the Mississippi River), the band headed backstage for a brief breather, before returning for a two-song encore, culled from their 1984 pre-Rainmakers LP, Balls. Fan favorite “Information” was followed by the band’s biggest success, “Let My People Go-Go” which hit the Top 20 in the UK upon its 1986 release.

With almost four decades under their belt, it’s both nostalgic and a musical joy to see The Rainmakers still playing shows and making music, and maybe equally as joyful to see a growing suburb like Olathe not take anything personally and collectively laugh off when a sharp lyric or verse, calls out their town in a previously negative light.

(click on any image to enlarge and see in full)

Rainmakers

Setlist

Bob Walkenhorst

Jeff Porter

Pat Tomek

Rich Ruth

Rainmakers

The Rainmakers at Olathe Live!, Olathe KS (2022-06-17)

 

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC- June 22-30, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Benefit Once again, on a Sunday July afternoon, St. Paul became Tinseltown if only for an evening as the Starkey Hearing Foundation's So the World May Hear 18th Annual Gala,...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

This weekend, it’s all about the Big Slick-- the annual benefit extravaganza for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City has returned in full force, though late word has come down that Jason Sudeikis is unfortunately unable to attend, still in London for production schedule changes on the new season of “Ted Lasso”.

Funnyman David Koechner may or may not be present as well, due to recent run-ins with the law, but there’s plenty of talent and entertainment to anchor what should be a memorable weekend. Several good concerts happening as well (fingers crossed the rain and heat can hold off).

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro June 22^nd- 30^th

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaxx proof might still be required)

Wednesday June 22

Why Don’t We with The Aces and JVKE, Starlight, CANCELED

Thursday June 23

“Cheer” Live, Cable Dahmer Arena. $29.95-$139.95

Rah, Rah, Rah!- features a special appearance from Monica Aldama

Cody Johnson, Azura Amphitheater, $44.50-$129.50

The Texas country singer-songwriter is striking while the fire is hot. After his first No. 1 hit "'Til You Can't" was certified Platinum, he’s on the road through the end of the year with a rotating slate of musical friends joining him. Locally, Ashland Craft & Craig Campbell are scheduled to join on.

Broncho, recordBar, $15

Out on their I Know You tour, we’ve followed the Oklahoma indie/post-punk band since 2013, having seen them last in 2016 so we’re probably overdue. Latest full-length was 2018’s Bad Behavior, so we have to expect new music is soon forthcoming. Live, they’ve been playing almost a 30-song set.

Saliva, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $25-$28

Vocalist Bobby Amaru ably stepped in for Josey Scott over a decade ago and the band has a new single, “Crows” released earlier this month. Live, favorites like “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “Tick Tick Boom”, and “Your Disease” are of course in the set, along with some interesting cover medleys.

LANCO, Power & Light District, Free!

Nashville country band used to stylize their name as LANco, but are now LANCO (abbreviated version of Lancaster and Co, so go figure). Anyway, the band returns with new song “Low Class Lovers” from its forthcoming full-length as a follow-up to previously-lauded Hallelujah Nights. Plus, it’s a free show!

Friday June 24

Big Slick Celebrity softball game at Kauffman Stadium, $20-$103

After a prior night’s VIP event, this is the true kickoff to this year’s annual event. Gates open at 4:30 for the 5pm game, and anyone buying a Royals ticket to the 7pm game, gets in early for free. Seating is all GA, so arrive early for a good seat to see your favorite celebs swing a fun bat for charity.

Riff Generation- KC Jazz Orchestra, Medallion Theater, $25-$35

Brand new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre.

Modern English w/ Static Phantoms, recordBar, $20

Decades later, they still want to stop the world and melt with you and will be playing classic album After The Snow in its entirety. We caught them live in 2017 as part of the loaded Retro Futura Tour. Post-punk synth ‘80s throwback KC duo Static Phantoms is an ideal opening fit.

Blue Man Group, June 24-26, Starlight Theater,$16-$98

More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon. Expect signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy in this updated show that features original music, custom-made instruments, and surprise audience interaction in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. We saw them live in their original NYC Astor Place theater years ago, and still remember all the fun.

 

 

Saturday June 25

Big Slick Party / Benefit w Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and David Koechner (?), T-Mobile Center, $75-$375.

What started out as a benefit poker tournament (thus the poker hand name) has ballooned into a jam-packed weekend and arena-sized party/show, which has raised over $13million dollars for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City.

In between acts like Sheryl Crow, David Cook, The Potash Twins and numerous celebs, bidding on item and experiential auctions take place (online as well) for special and one-of-a-kind collectibles and memories. Celebrities expected include Adam Scott, SNL’s Heidi Gardner, Kevin Pollak, James Van Der Beek, and others including some possible late-addition sports stars.

Children's Mercy is a leading independent children's health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, breakthrough innovation, and educating the next generation of caregivers. Its vision is to create a world of well-being for children and for more information visit childrensmercy.org. (Note there is no Saturday morning bowling nor red carpet arrival this year).

Glenn Miller Orchestra, Kauffman Center. $59.50-$79.50

It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing!- The 80-year old Glenn Miller Orchestra brings timeless classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “String of Pearls” and “Tuxedo Junction” back to the stage with over eighteen musicians and singers.

Eddie Montgomery, Knuckleheads. $37.50

The remaining half of famed country duo Montgomery Gentry hits the road with all their favorites live as well as new songs from his solo debut, Ain’t No Closing Me Down and recent Tanya Tucker collab, “Higher”.

Motherfolk, Lemonade Park, $15

Beloved KC indie folk project led by Nathan Dickerson and Nathan Paver in promotion of new EP, the flower and new single, “Headlights”. DURRY to open.

Sunday June 26

Sebastian Maniscalco, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $42.75-$122.75

Rescheduled like many things, the comedian plays two shows on his Nobody Does This Tour. The stand-up comedian and actor has released five comedy specials. has also had supporting acting roles in the films Green Book and The Irishman.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Uptown. $35-$99

A last-minute Covid infection with the band pushed this show to its new date, all is now good and any previous tix are honored.

Five decades and running, the legendary band also recently released their latest, Dirt Does Dylan, featuring lead single “I Shall be Released” alongside indie faves Larkin Poe. Expect some Bobby Zimmerman covers live, along with maybe some Hank, The Band and Jerry Jeff Walker songs as well as tracks from their fifty year catalog.

Spite, recordBar. $20

California metal band out on their (not so humble) One Step to Becoming God Tour, with Boundaries, Vatican, and Bodybox as support for this early show. The band recently announced their new label partnership with Rise Records and have released two new singles since: “Made To Please” and “Caved In”.

 

                                        Monday June 27

 

Tuesday June 28

Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin, T-Mobile Center Postponed to August 2.

Wednesday June 29

Barenaked Ladies with Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Starlight. $25-$150

For the sixth time, it’s still the Last Summer on Earth and this formidable 90s triple bill promises a fun and hit-filled evening. We caught the tour in its first year in 2015 with BNL headlining and it’s been successful enough to keep returning.

BNL has new music coming later this year, so maybe expect a new song or two amidst the favorites and the tour will also feature Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket on the lineup. We haven’t documented any Gin Blossoms shows though have caught them live and are a fan of especially their first couple albums. We did catch Toad live many times in the mid-2010s and remain big fans.

Dean Lewis, The Truman. $26-$55

Aussie singer-songwriter Dean Lewis hit it big internationally with songs “Be Alright” and “Waves” and released his debut album, A Place We Knew in 2019. We caught him live in the summer of 2019 for a radio-sponsored acoustic set that had the girls swooning and guys singing along and three singles including “Hurtless” have been issued in advance of his upcoming new album.

 

Read More Third Eye Blind You may remember Third Eye Blind in the late 90s with their self-titled album blowing up with such hits as "How's It Going to Be" and "Semi-Charmed Life" (which was honored by Weird Al …

Thursday June 30

Third Eye Blind with Taking Back Sunday and Hockey Dad, Starlight. $29.50-$99.95

Stephan Jenkins and band are out on their Summer Gods: 25 Years in the Blind Tour, which also supports the restoration of a portion of the Palos Verdes Kelp Forest. Called the Blind Reef, proceeds of each ticket will help the surf community restore the kelp ecosystem that sequesters carbon off the California Coast. We caught them live back in 2018 and the band has been playing Joy Division and Califone covers in their recent live sets.

Eli Young Band w Corey Kent, Power & Light District

The brand new album is called Love Talking from this North Texas country band and fans probably remember their previous hit singles, "Crazy Girl", along with "Even If It Breaks Your Heart", "Drunk Last Night", and "Love Ain't". Expect a lot of crazy girls out for this free downtown show.

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Desert Daze Celebrates 10 Years of Art & Music

Read More Desert Daze Desert Daze is quite often referred to as the greatest festival ever, and in all my years of music festivals (and believe me, there have been many) I have to concur that this one undoubtably tops the .... Tame Impala Tame Impala is touring the U.S. again in support of their album, Lonerism. Kevin and crew have definitely crafted a piece of art. Loud, incredibly groovy. ... Iggy Pop Iggy Pop, 60’s The Stooges frontman and who some would call the Godfather of Punk, came out in all his shirtless glory and opened up with (I mean of course) I Wanna Be Your Dog, spitting bottled water and ... King Gizzard Butterfly 3000 is the new album from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The album is said to be the typical synthesisers and sequencers, loops and weird noises that makes a Gizzard record. … Chicano Batman Chicano Batman to open. The cape crusader was last seen at SXSW with their new song “Black Lipstick”, featuring back up vocals by Saudia Yasmein. … The Marias The Marias (The Marías) is returning to the Minneapolis area this July 27, at the Fine Line Music Café. The group was previously in town in November 2018 as part of the Live Nation’s … Sky Ferreira We've been following Sky Ferreira since 2010, and finally, this year I got a chance to see her in person. She didn't play any old songs, which, as I've interpreted it was she was moving on from her early music, and "growing up". … Jpegmafia Los Angeles-based rapper and producer Jpegmafia (stylized as JPEGMAFIA) will be headlining a US and UK tour in support of his new album EP2! in the next two years. … Mild High Club Mild High Club is the home for the musical output of Alexander Brettin, a jazz-schooled musician transplanted from the Midwest to Los Angeles. Premiered originally … Kikagaku Moyo Japanese psychedelic band Kikagaku Moyo (Japanese spelling 幾何学模様) sold out the Turf Club in St Paul on November 22nd, 2019. Opening up the show was Tokyo’s Minami Deutsch (南ドイツ). …

DESERT DAZE
desertdaze.org

Southern California’s music festival Desert Daze is celebrating their tenth anniversary this September 30 to October 2, 2022, in Lake Perris, California. Festival weekend passes, parking and camping passes is available to purchase now. For the first time this year, Desert Daze has also partnered with FUSE to help concertgoers put together hotel packages in a variety of budgets.

We’ve been covering the festival since 2017, describing the festival as “And just like that, it was over just as quickly as it had begun. I left feeling elated and exhausted, and as I made my way back to the day parking lot, I smiled in satisfaction knowing that the soles of my boots were caked with the magical moon dust of the desert.”

The lineup is available now, and already everybody is talking about how this is headliner Iggy Pop’s only U.S. show this year. We saw Pop at Desert Daze 2017 and wrote, “Iggy Pop, 60’s The Stooges frontman and who some would call the Godfather of Punk, came out in all his shirtless glory and opened up with (I mean of course) I Wanna Be Your Dog, spitting bottled water and flipping off the crowd and cameras. He was bold and delightful in his punk charm, right into Gimme Danger and The Passenger, then more Stooges’ classics like 1969. It’s sincerely hard to believe this man is in his 70’s. He had more energy than most of the bands combined, and I felt happy that I got to see him in that setting before…I mean who even knows anymore what can happen to these legends. Somewhere somebody must have kicked Iggy around some…and he’s kicking back.”

DESERT DAZE 2022 LINEUP

TAME IMPALA performing Lonerism * IGGY POP * KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD

Chicano Batman * The Marias * Sky Ferreira * Badbadnotgood * Jpegmafia * Mild High Club * Kikagaku Moyo * Men I Trust * Cortex * Fuzz * Pond * Perfume Genius * Aldous Harding * Sleaford Mods * Dakhabrakha * Boy Pablo * Cymande * Shannon And The Clams * Duster * Viagra Boys * Reggie Watts * Inner Wave * Los Retros * Nation Of Language * Nilufer Yanya * Show Me The Body * Babe Rainbow * Psychedelic Porn Crumpets * The Armed * Lady Wray * Daniel Rossen Of Grizzly Bear * Black Country, New Road * Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 * Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles * The Space Lady * Gum (Dj Set) * L.A. Witch * Automatic * Surfbort * Small Black * Mildlife * Surprise Chef * John Carroll Kirby * Buck Meek * Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul * Strawberry Guy * Vanishing Twin * Sloppy Jane * Soul Glo * The Paranoyds * Panther Modern * Jjuujjuu * Zo * Slift * Brainstory * Imarhan * Working Men's Club * Snapped Ankles * Molly Lewis * L'eclair * Elkka * Noura Mint Seymali * Divide & Dissolve * Al Lover * Chulita Vinyl Club * Heads Are Heavy

THE SANCTUARY

Curated by Cristopher Cichocki

Nosaj Thing (DJ Set) * Clipping. * Telefon Tel Aviv (DJ Set) * Silent Servant * Kid 606 * Cristopher Cichocki (Circular Dimensions Immersive Sound Installation)

TALKS + SCREENINGS

Hamilton's Pharmacopeia Screening + Hamilton Morris Q&A,

Mysticism In The Music Industry With Micki Pellerano,

Tarik Barri Av Workshop - Explorations With Videosync, And More TBA

VISUAL ARTISTS

Tarik Barri * Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show * Slim Reaper * Astral Violet * Feverdream Interactive * Billgazer * Warped Visions * Zachary Rodell

THE OUTER SPACE

Modular Soundbath & Yoga Each Morning * Frankie & The Witch Fingers * Levitation Room * Mauskovic Dance Band * Acid Dad * Vinyl Williams * Grave Flowers Bongo Band * Leah Senior * Radiojed * Closing Ceremonies w/ Jjuujjuu & Friends

THURSDAY NIGHT WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Meatbodies * Shannon Lay * Hooveriii * Quitapenas * Baptizm * Hott Mt - ‘Escape To Witch Mountain’ W/ The Bob Baker Marionettes

LARGE SCALE ART INSTALLATIONS

Non Plus Ultra * Brad Hansen * Bez Martinen * And More

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