W♥M

News: First Avenue now requires proof of vaccination

Read More Waxahatchee Celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this coming week, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been the heart of the Minnesota music scene since its first show (featuring Joe Cocker) in a converted bus station originally called The Depot, then Sam's ...

With rising COVID-19 cases, due to the delta variant, First Avenue (which also includes 7th Street Entry, Turf Club, Fine Line Music Café, Palace Theatre, and Fitzgerald) announced that they are requiring all guests and patrons to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours, according to the Star Tribune .

The sudden announcement came out on Monday, so those who already paid for a concert, but don’t meet the requirements… you can ask for a refund.

We’ve attended a few shows last month, and can say that most fans in attendance did not wear masks or had a care in the world. Will full, or near capacity, of my recent shows, I can easily see that someone with the virus could easily infect everyone in the room.

With the new rules announced, local venue Hook & Ladder announced they’ll also follow suit. Once all the other local Minnesota venues open back up again, it would probably make sense that they’ll also have the same requirements.

The Cedar Cultural Center announced that they’ve just recently re-opened August 3rd, 2021, but made no mentioning of the vaccine requirements.

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Flashback: The Grates at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (2009-11-03)

Setlist Trampoline Science Is Golden Earthquake Milk Eyes Rock Boys Aw Yeah Howl Carve Your Name Two Kinds of Right Inside Outside Feels Like Pain Burn Bridges 19-20-20 Read More The Grates The Grates came on with full energy with their often-intro song "Trampoline". Yes, Patience does do that weird rabbit hopping dance, as seen on their Til Death Do Us Party: Live At The Forum DVD. Patience is now a blonde . … Zoo Animal Next was Zoo Animal, a band that I've seen a few times. Mostly with just Holly Newsom by herself, so it's always nice to see her backed up with a full functioning band. … Story of the Sea The night started out in the social area of the Sound Gallery, while Story of the Sea getting set up in the next room of the loft style venue. …

Whatever happened to Brisbane’s The Grates? They were at the height of their popularity with Gravity Won’t Get You High (2006) and Teeth Lost, Hearts Won (2008)… both reached the ARIA Albums Chart top 10. They did a world tour, stopping by Minneapolis in November 2009… and then just quietly disappeared.

As it turned out, they finished recording their difficult third album Secret Rituals in 2011 with US musician Ben Marshall. He left the group in 2012, and The Grates took a hiatus … until 2014 with their fourth studio album Dream Team.

>>>
Patience Hodgson, from The Grates, tells me for Halloween, she dressed up as a cowgirl. She went into a store and saw a guy working there, all decked out in a cowboy outfit. She complimented how great his costume was, only to realized that it was how he's normally dressed. That's Texas for you.

That's the kind of weird stories you hear from her, even on stage, they're referencing strange things like trying to hi-fi-ing the "fat guy with the beret" or asking if there were any vikings in the audience. But before I get to all those crazy details from the 7th Street Entry last night - opening up for them was Zoo Animal. I had seen singer Holly Newsom before, but as a soloist. This time, she's doing Zoo Animal songs, not just her solo material.

Holly made some jokes, like how 'grate' the Grates should be to noticing that They Might Be Giants were playing next door and how "we might be miniatures". Most of the audience that showed up early, I think showed up because of Zoo Animal and possibly Ice Palace.

Unfortunately, at the last minute, Ice Palace canceled (I am told the singer was sick), they were replaced by Story of the Sea. Bassist John admitted that they only had a five hours notice. Despite the feedback and false starts, I thought they held up pretty well all things considering.

I will say that they seem older, for the kind of crowd that was there last night. Their music sounds like classic progressive rock. I don't know any of their songs, but I did like the song that had something to do with eyes and being gone.

The Grates came on with full energy with their often-intro song "Trampoline". Yes, Patience does do that weird rabbit hopping dance, as seen on their Til Death Do Us Party: Live At The Forum DVD. Patience is now a blonde, dressed in a gymnastic outfit.... making her look even more child-like than ever. Which may sound quite weird to hear her talk about wanting a baby of her own (I thought to myself, well there's always cloning...)

Other things I learned from Patience: if you eat enough of your hair, you'll have to take a pill to poop out the hair. Hence "hair butt". Fist-bumping, she tells us is called "boning". She likes to climb onto things, or jump into the audience and singing... while using a twirling baton. Fun to watch, but they also require audience interaction.

I thought the highlight of their set was either "Howl" or "19-20-20". I'm not that familar with their new material, but I did recognize their single, "Burn Bridges", from the setlist.

If you are looking for a good time or see cuteness in action, check out Brisbane's export, The Grates touring through your area. They are quite approachable, so please have a friendly chat with them after the show. Their lastest album is called Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, which if you get it on vinyl, will come with a bonus CD. I might also suggest checking out their debut album, which four singles from that album made it onto Triple J Hottest 100. I'm sure Sally will keep us informed of the 2010's Hottest 100.

The Grates at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (03 Nov 2009)

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

Up In The Clouds

“I'm just standing here on the ground
But my head's always up in the clouds”
- Skegss

Read More Waxahatchee Waxahatchee is headlining the Triple Rock Social Club this Friday. The duo’s latest album Out in the Storm is available on Merge Records. Cayetana and Snail Mail will open. ...

WAXAHATCHEE
waxahatchee.com

Saint Cloud is the new album from Waxahatchee (aka Katie Crutchfield).

Crutchfield recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of Saint Cloud with an online performance and three covers: “Fruits of My Labor” by Lucinda Williams, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” by Dolly Parton, and “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen… perhaps you’ll hear some of those covers on the upcoming Waxahatchee tour:

Aug 31 Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads (w/Shy Boys, sold out)
Sep 02 Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
Sep 03 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
Sep 04 Columbus, OH – Skully's Music-Diner
Sep 05 Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sep 07 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
Sep 09 Maquoketa, IA – Codfish Hollow Barn
Sep10 Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
Sep 12 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Sep 16 Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
Sep 17 Tacoma, WA – Spanish Ballroom
Sep 18 Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Sep 19 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Sep 21 Sonoma, CA – Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Sep 22 San Francisco, CA – The Castro Theatre
Sep 24 Los Angeles, CA – First Congregational Church
Sep 25 Pioneertown, CA – Pappy and Harriet's
Sep 27 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress (Outside)
Sep 29 Austin, TX – Scholz Garten
Sep 30 Austin, TX – Scholz Garten
Oct 01 Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
Oct 05 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Oct 07 Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom
Oct 08 Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre
Oct 09 Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall
Oct 11 New York, NY – Webster Hall
Oct 12 Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere
Oct 13 Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere
Oct 15 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
Oct 16 Boston, MA – Royale

*all dates with Katy Kirby except 9/3

Read More Cloud Nothings 02/11/17 Cloud Nothings will be headlining Fine Line Music Café on Saturday in support of his new record Life Without Sound (Carpark Records). . …

CLOUD NOTHINGS
cloudnothings.com

Cleveland’s Cloud Nothings have booked a massive tour, starting in 2021 and going on to 2022 (not listed below). The tour is in support of their new album The Shadow I Remember (Carpark Records).

2021 Tour Dates:

8/20 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
8/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
8/22 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Back Room
8/24 - Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups
8/26 - Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat
8/27 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
8/26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere
8/29 - Boston, MA @ Sinclair
10/21 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
10/23 - Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees
10/25-10/29 - Miami, FL @ S.S. Neverender Cruise
10/31 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
11/2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
11/4 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
11/5 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room HLP
11/6 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
11/8- Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
11/10 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
11/13 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
11/15 - Kansas City, MO @ recordBar
11/16 - St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House
11/19 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

Read More NF Michigan rapper NF is touring in support of his third full-length album, Perception. Tour dates: 10/02 Columbus, OH Express Live! . …

NF
nfrealmusic.com

Chart-topping Michigan rapper NF (not to be confused with NFL) will embark on his North American headline tour called The Clouds Tour, presented by Live Nation.

NF maintains his “Top 500 Most Listened-To Artists on Spotify” as well as two consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200.

Tour dates:

09/22: Maryland Heights, MO -- Hollywood Casino Amph
09/23: Noblesville, IN -- Ruoff Music Center
09/24: Clarkston, MI -- DTE Energy Music Theatre
09/25: Cincinnati, OH -- Riverbend Music Center
09/27: Cuyahoga Falls, OH -- Blossom Music Center
09/28: Burgettstown, PA -- The Pavilion at Star Lake
09/29: Bridgeport, CT -- Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
10/01: Gilford, NH -- Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
10/02: Columbia, MD -- Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/03: Raleigh, NC -- Coastal Credit Union Music Park
10/05: Tampa, FL -- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amph
10/06: Jacksonville, FL -- Daily's Place
10/07: Pelham, AL -- Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
10/09: Simpsonville, SC -- CCNB Amphitheatre
10/10: Charlotte, NC -- PNC Music Pavilion
10/12: Brandon, MS -- Brandon Amphitheater
10/14: Rogers, AR -- Walmart AMP
10/15: Oklahoma City, OK -- Zoo Amphitheatre
10/16: Austin, TX -- Germania Insurance Amphitheater
10/17: Houston, TX -- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

GLOSSY CLOUDS fb/glossyclouds Lyon based indie-rock collective Glossy Clouds released their debut self-titled EP, via KWS Blank Canvas Music. The six track EP includes lead single “Buy All That You Want”, a funky self-described “glitter rock” song. Glossy Clouds are Jérôme Bralet (vocals and Guitar), Hugo Merle (Drums) and their three female choristers.

CLOUD RAT cloudrat.blogspot The fourth entry in the 2021 Adult Swim Singles is by Michigan grindcore Cloud Rat. The band wrote, “Really excited to be a part of this year's Adult Swim Singles series! This was self-recorded and mixed at Rorik's house over a couple weeks in April, then mastered by Glenn Schick Mastering. Really proud of how this turned out, check it!”

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

Black and Blue

Read More Mt Kimbie If you're not familiar with Mount Kimbie, the duo consisting of Kai Campos and Dom Maker, their music runs the gamut of genres, more closely identifying with dubstep and general electronica . …

Read more Red White and Blue.

MOUNT KIMBIE
mountkimbie.com

On the fourth anniversary of Love What Survives, Mount Kimbie released two unheard tracks from the album’s sessions: “Black Stone” and “Blue Liquid” (available as a free download and for pre-order on white label 12”). According to mountkimbie.warp.net the White label 12” won’t be out until October 8, 2021, and will be strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide.

We caught the Los Angeles duo in June 2013 and wrote, “Mount Kimbie graced the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis on Monday night and they were phenomenal. That's saying a lot, especially given that they're mainly beat-driven electronic dance music. But they're not your garden variety electronic band and there wasn't one laptop on the stage doing most of the work, as can be the case with most electronic acts. Mount Kimbie is the collaboration of Kai Campos and Dominic Maker, two adorable and talented young men based in London who craft exquisite, intricate music.”

Love What Survives was originally released on September 7, 2017… the Love What Survives White label 12” will be out October 8, 2021.

Read More Grateful Dead Legendary Grateful Dead founder Bobby Weir will be playing live at the UC Berkeley Greek Theatre on July 24th. The show is billed as Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. . …

DAVE MCMURRAY
bluenote.com

Blue Note Records is releasing saxophonist Dave McMurray’s sophomore album Grateful Deadication. This is McMurray’s unique take on the Grateful Dead songbook… transforming and transcending Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter’s songs.

McMurray explains his obsession, “My Grateful Dead adventure began a few years ago when I was lucky enough to play a show with The Wolf Bros. The long-form, odd measures and complex chords of the music hooked me immediately. I noticed the songs had great melodies, yet held the openness of Miles Davis’ Electric Period….The music was catchy, psychedelic, raw, with the idea that nobody solos / everybody solos—akin to Weather Report. The more I listened, the more I knew these songs would eventually become a vehicle for my jazz expression.”

Tour Dates:

8/2 - Columbus, OH - Woodlands Tavern
9/4 - Cleveland, OH - Bop Stop
9/9 - Ferndale, MI - Otus Supply Co
9/18 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blue Llama Jazz Club
10/10 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Pour House
10/12-10/13 - Atlanta, GA - Smith's Olde Bar
10/22-10/23 - Englewood, CO - Moe’s Original BBQ
10/26 - Santa Barbara, CA - Music Alley

EMILY BLUE
emilybluemusic.com

Chicago’s Emily Blue was originally playing the 7th Street Entry in May 2020, but due to the COVID pandemic, her The Afterlove Tour was rescheduled to this August 2021.

If you have tickets from last year, it will be honor at this upcoming 7th Street Entry, this August 26, 2021. Bloodline to open. Featuring three Wheaton siblings, Julia (16) lead vocals, Eliza (20) backing vocals/songwriting and Lukaz (18) keys/arrangement.

Emily Blue’s single, “See U In My Dreams” came out July 23, 2021, which you can get on Amazon.

Tour dates:

Aug 24 • Cambridge, IL - Cà d'Zan House Concerts
Aug 25 • Des Moines, IA - The Gas Lamp
Aug 26 • Minneapolis 7th Street Entry
Aug 27 • Madison The Bur Oak
Aug 28 • Chicago Lincoln Hall + Schubas
Aug 29 • Urbana NOLA's Rock Bar
Sept 2 • Milawaukee Summerfest

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

We♥KC - August 1-15, 2021 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Jackie Venson at Knuckleheads   Wynonna & the Big Noise at Knuckleheads   Foo Fighters at Azura Amphitheater   Paul Cauthen at Knuckleheads  Slash and Bash Horror and Sci-Fi Movie Festival   Garth Brooks at Arrowhead Stadium   Wilco and Sleater-Kinney at Arvest Bank Theatre   Soul Asylum and Juliana Hatfield at Grinder's  Read More Jackie Venson Austin-born Jackie Venson will be playing the 7th Street Entry on Saturday, July 20th. Tour dates: 07/11/2019 Smith's Olde Bar Atlanta, GA … Sleater-Kinney What are you doing on V-Day? If you're a Sleater-Kinney fan, you'll be at this sold out show. According to my bad memories and physical ticket stubs, I've seen Sleater-Kinney at least three times, and have expressed sadness ...

Despite a virus resurgence (especially in southwest Missouri), live shows have gladly made a return for what will be no doubt, some celebratory shows.  In theKansas City / Lawrence, KS area, concerts are getting more frequent with about every venue re-opened and plenty of outdoor concerts, despite the recent triple-digit heat.

As always, check the venue websites and social media to verify the show goes on as scheduled, and for any virus protocols or mask mandates, that may be required.  As examples, Jason Isbell’s August 3^rd show was recently canceled and The Decemberists postponed their entire tour, though the show still appears on the local venue’s website. ZZ Top is continuing onward, despite the recent death of bassist Dusty Hill, who had previously bowed out of the tour, with shoulder and hip issues.

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the first half of August (a few recommended shows are highlighted below):

Sun 08/01/2021

Jackie Venson, Knuckleheads.  $12
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing Venson opening for Gary Clark, Jr in 2017and she is in her element live, as evidenced by two live albums out in 2020, as well as her latest self-released studio album, Vintage Machine. Expect guitar fireworks from the Austin-based singer-songwriter.

Gucci Mane with Lil Tjay, Yung Bleu, more, Liberty Memorial North Lawn. $49.50-$150

Tue 08/03/2021

Cody Ko and Noel Miller, Uptown. $35-$142
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Azura Amphitheater. CANCELED.
Jason Mraz, Starlight. $30.50-$99.50

Wed 08/04/2021

Wynonna w Big Noise, Knuckleheads. $49.50-$74.50
A timeless entertainer, Judd kept pretty busy during the lockdown, recording the live special Concert from My Place with husband Cactus Moser and guests Brandi Carlile and Waylon Payne that you may have seen on PBS, and now’s the chance to see her live.

Thu 08/05/2021

Foo Fighters with Radkey, Azura Amphitheater $49-$105
Tickets surprisingly still remain for this show (on the lawn) for one of rock’s biggest and most enduring acts who get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this fall.  Medicine at Midnight(on RCA/Roswell Records) is the band’s latest and Grohl and co. have brought along opener Radkey,led by three brothers from St. Joseph and who were featured in Grohl’s recent doc, What Drives Us.

Paul Cauthen w Leah Blevins, Knuckleheads. $25
Cauthen has gradually built up his reputation as an Americana folk singer with a distinctive baritone voice, both as a member of Sons of Fathers and solo, and his recent collaboration with opener Leah Blevins, led to her debut album, First Time Feeling (on Crabtree Records), out this week.

Slash and Bash Horror and Sci-Fi Movie Festival, Topeka Perf Arts Center Thurs-Sat, $20.
On the pop culture front, anyone in the Topeka area might enjoy this three-day film festival featuring dozens of movies showing, guests like Victoria Price (daughter of Vincent Price), a game room, vendor selling area, and more.  More info: Here

Greyson Chance, Bottleneck-Lawrence. $25-$65

Fri 08/06/2021

Lady A w/ Carly Pearce, Niko Moon, and Tenille Arts, Azura Amphitheater. $20-126
The good news is that Lady A (no longer Antebellum) both has a new record out, What a Song Can Do (Chapter One) (on Big Machine Records) and are back on tour with three other acts, for a full evening.  At last word, promo lawn tickets for just $20 were still available.
Tanya Tucker with Erin Enderlin, Knuckleheads. $48.50 sold out

Sat 08/07/2021

Garth Brooks, Arrowhead Stadium,  $94.95
The best-selling solo artist in U.S. history brings his show to Arrowhead Stadium and broke the entertainment box office record there- selling out 74,500 tickets in an hour. The show is also encouraging virus protocols, with a vaccination station on-site for those still needing a shot.
The Decemberists, Grinders CANCELED.
Dermot Kennedy, Uptown. $35-$277
Tech N9ne, Kansas City Live! $27.50-$100

Sun 08/08/2020

ZZ Top w Willie Nelson, George Thorogood, Azura Amphitheater, $34.50-$249.
A formidable triple-bill is somewhat sullied by the recent death of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, but the show must go on, according to singer Billy Gibbons.  Hill had bowed out after two shows of the tour, citing hip and shoulder issues, so their longtime bass tech is stepping in.

Mon 08/09/2021

Struggle Jennings with Brianna Harness and Caitlynne Curtis, The Truman. $20-$40

Tues 08/10/2021

My Baby, Knuckleheads. $15
(hed) pe, Cafe Acoustic- St. Joseph, $20-30

Wed 08/11/2021

Shakey Graves with Tré Burt, The Truman. $27-$54
Dropkick Murphys / Rancid / The Bronx, Grinder's, $45-$99

Thu 08/12/2021

Wilco and Sleater-Kinney, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland. $35-$87.50
Previously scheduled for Aug 2020, It’s Time!as the name of their tour proudly announces. 

This co-headlining show is an alt-rock lover’s dream (w/NNAMDÏ opening), with Wilco taking song requests via their website, and an exclusive 7” available at the merch stand, with the two longtime bands covering a favorite song of the other’s.

Fri 08/13/2021

The Dead South, Grinders. $25-$75
Jackopierce, Knuckleheads. $20
All Time Low with The Maine and Grayscale, KC Live! $25-$85

Sat 08/14/2021

Eddie Griffin, Uptown. $39.50-$127
Mike Zito’s Big Damn Band with Tito Jackson, Knuckleheads. $25
DaBaby, Azura Amphitheater. $49.50-$199.50
Bryce Vine, Liberty Hall Lawrence. $30-$50
Unlikely Candidates, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $15

Sun 08/15/2021

Soul Asylum w Juliana Hatfield and Local H, Grinder's, $30-$60
On their Back in Your Face Tour, this triple-bill might have played arenas twenty-five years ago, so be grateful to see them in slightly smaller venues.  Prince covered Soul Asylum’s Stand Up and B Strong on the just-released Welcome 2 America, and Juliana Hatfield released latest album Blood last year, as did Local H with their latest, Lifers. 

Maks & Val: Stripped Down Tour, Kauffman Center. $39.50-$74.31

John5 w Jared James Nichols, Black Satellite, Bottleneck- Lawrence. $22.50

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

Going for Gold XXXII

In honor of the Tokyo Olympics.

Read more Going for Gold.

Read More Zella Day A dusky-voiced 20-year-old singer/songwriter from deep in the mountains of Arizona, Zella Day makes electro-charged, guitar-driven indie-pop that’s steeped in a magic of her own invention. . …

ZELLA DAY
zelladay.com

“Golden” is the brand new song from Los Angeles’ Zella Day.

Day explained the origin of the song, “The Genesis of ‘Golden’ happened as a tornado was tearing through Nashville and whispers of a global pandemic were evolving past a rumor. I was in Alabama writing with John Paul White as my phone was lighting up with messages from friends and family back home. I was supposed to drive back to Nashville that evening, but plans changed like the weather. In the stillness of the studio, ‘Golden’ was written communicating with powers beyond my control, expressing and coping with the magnitude of the situation by creating art; singing a melody into the moment to address its fragility and infinite beauty.”

“Golden” is a small preview of Day’s forthcoming sophomore album, due out this fall.

We saw Zella Day in July 2015 and wrote, “Zella Day is a force to be reckoned with. Her voice is more powerful than the emotional screamers and growlers that I'm typically listening to.”

Day will return to touring this Fall, just in time for her new album.

Tour dates:

09/08 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up
09/10 – 09/13 Redondo Beach, CA Beachlife Festival
09/12 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst
09/14 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
09/15 Reno, NV Virginia Street Brewhouse
09/16 Napa, CA JaM Cellars Ballroom
10/01- 10/03 Austin, TX Austin City Limits

Read More Olympic Games If you're into Olympics Figure Skating, you probably know more about this than I do. The event is taking place from January 16 - 24 , 2016 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul and Blooming …

GOLD OVER AMERICA
goldoveramericatour.com

MagicSpace Entertainment and AEG Presents/Concerts West will be bringing a high-energy, gymnastics-meets-pop-concert spectacular entitled Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour to your city. The show will be headlined by the most decorated gymnast of all-time, Simone Biles. She’ll be joined by an all-star team of female gymnastic champions, including Laurie Hernandez and Katelyn Ohashi, spreading messages of empowerment and togetherness to inspire the next generation of athletes.

The tour kicks off in Tucson, on September 21, 2021.

09/21/2021 Tucson Tucson Arena
09/22/2021 Glendale Gila River Arena
09/24/2021 Anaheim Honda Center
09/25/2021 Los Angeles STAPLES Center
09/26/2021 San Jose SAP Center at San Jose
09/28/2021 San Francisco Chase Center
09/29/2021 Sacramento Golden 1 Center
10/01/2021 Boise ExtraMile Arena
10/02/2021 West Valley City Maverik Center
10/03/2021 Denver Ball Arena
10/05/2021 Oklahoma City Paycom Center
10/06/2021 San Antonio AT&T Center
10/08/2021 Houston Toyota Center
10/09/2021 Fort Worth Dickies Arena
10/10/2021 North Little Rock Simmons Bank Arena
10/ 12/2021 Kansas City T-Mobile Center
10/13/2021 Minneapolis Target Center
10/15/2021 St. Louis Enterprise Center
10/16/2021 Milwaukee Fiserv Forum
10/17/2021 Chicago Allstate Arena
10/19/2021 Columbus Nationwide Arena
10/20/2021 Cleveland Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
10/22/2021 Indianapolis Bankers Life Fieldhouse
10/23/2021 Louisville KFC Yum! Center
10/24/2021 Detroit Little Caesars Arena
10/26/2021 Duluth Gas South Arena
10/27/2021 Charlotte Spectrum Center
10/29/2021 Pittsburgh PPG Paints Arena
10/30/2021 Newark Prudential Center
10/31/2021 Washington D.C. Capital One Arena
11/02/2021 Hartford XL Center
11/03/2021 Webster Bank Arena Bridgeport
11/05/2021 Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center
11/06/2021 Brooklyn Barclays Center
11/07/2021 Boston TD Garden

GOLDEN BOOTS goldenboots/bandcamp Arizona’s Golden Boots is the music project from Dimitri Manos and Ryen Eggleston. They are ramping up to the release of their full-length album in 2022… but in the meantime, they’ve released a cover of Alan Parsons Project’s “Eye in the Sky” (featuring Lonna Kelley on vocals) and a cover of Barely Bipedal’s “She Just Wanted to Watch the Sky”… seems like the Golden Boots are obsessed with the sky.

NATE MERCEREAU twitter/natemercereau Duets | Golden Gate Bridge is the new album from songwriter & producer Nate Mercereau. The concept is interesting, Mercereau decided to duet his music of his guitar against the “ghostly hum” given off from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Duets | Golden Gate Bridge came out July 19,/2021… so check out the bridge singing.

COLD WEATHER COMPANY coldweathercompany.com “Golden Hour” is the new single from New Jersey’s Cold Weather Company... taken from their Coalescence - Pt. 1 EP, via Deko Entertainment. What is crazy is that this fourth album will actually consists of three parts. Deko Entertainment Bruce Puciarello adds, “A perfect album, released in three parts, by three of Deko’s closest friends. It all adds up!”

GOLDEN SEALS thegoldenseals.com Ottawa power pop trio The Golden Seals’ latest song, “To Be or Not To Be (With Me)” is out now. Currently, the brand-new single has been added to the CBC national playlist in Canada and is available for streaming and for purchase on Bandcamp.

GOLD STAR goldstarlovesyou.com Phoebe Bridgers’ favorite band Gold Star (aka Marlon Rabenreither) will release his 5th album Headlights USA. The musician took a year and half off to write and record the album in different bedrooms and studio spaces all over Los Angeles. He enlists the help of friends and collaborators like Jordan Odom and Nick Murray. Headlights USA will be out August 4,/2021.

CAP CARTER capcarter.com Manila-born, Sydney-raised singer and songwriter Cap Carter just released his second single for “Gold”. Cap explains the song, “I wrote this two-and-a-half years ago, not knowing that I would be in the exact same spot as my father, trying to win my life back… I’ve experienced a lot of unresolved anger and trauma, and I made sure to let that out when we were doing the vocal takes.”

JIMMY ALLEN jimmieallenmusic.com Platinum-selling recording artist and and current ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmy Allen released Bettie James Gold Edition (BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records)… which featured multi-Platinum Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, philanthropist, entrepreneur and actress Monica and Little Big Town on the song “Pray”.

ZOLA zolaofficialmusic.com San Francisco’s Zola (not to be confused with South Africa’s Zola or Boston’s Zola or Zola Jesus) recently released “Glitter and the Gold”, taken from her forthcoming EP. According to Zola, the song is about “how family, community, and knowing yourself are more important than going to any party or signing any deal…”

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Flashback: Weezer at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York (31 Oct 2009)

Setlist Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes cover) (Instrumental) Hash Pipe Undone - The Sweater Song Troublemaker Surf Wax America I'm Your Daddy Perfect Situation Dope Nose (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To with Leighton Meester Say It Ain't So War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover) Why Bother? Tired of Sex My Name Is Jonas Can't Stop Partying (Rivers Cuomo song) Pork and Beans -- Encore -- Island in the Sun Beverly Hills -- Encore 2 -- Kids / Poker Face Buddy Holly Read More Weezer Weezer's singer Rivers Cuomo brought out his dad, Frank Cuomo, and they play "Back to the Shack". One of the most touching things I have witness in my many years of watching Weezer shows. …

Everybody knows that Rocktober ends on Halloween… and usually those Halloween shows are special. In the case of Weezer in New York, we had a special Gossip Girl appearance. Audience came dressed up, so watching the crowd is as fun as watching the band on stage.

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To fully grasp the emotional scope of this review, you should know three things:

1. My first kiss took place at a seventh grade Halloween party with some dude named Eugene. “El Scorcho” was playing in the background.

2. My first non-paste-eating boyfriend was my ninth grade algebra tutor, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Green Album-era Rivers, minus the braces.

3. In high school I was co-president of a dedicated Weezer fanclub called The Cuomosexuals. We mostly dissected Pinkerton lyrics, line by line.

Needless to say, this show (on Halloween, of all days) carried quite a bit of sentimental weight for me. Like most seasoned fans, I’ve pretty much abandoned all hope of Weezer ever releasing anything remotely listenable, yet I’m still willing to brave Ticketmaster fees just to hear “Tired of Sex” – even if that means sitting through gems like “We Are All on Drugs” and “Can’t Stop Partying.” In terms of band-fanbase relationships, Rivers is Sid Vicious, and we old-school fans are doped up, masochistic Nancy.

Matt & Kim photo by Konstantin Sergeyev

The show was at the sprawling Hammerstein Ballroom, an odd place to see the opening act: Matt & Kim. (Unnecessary Personal Fact #4: My friends and I saw Matt & Kim right after our senior prom. This night truly was high school redux.) I’ve seen them play in the backroom of a Texan bar and the bowels of a Brooklyn brewery, but this venue was by far the strangest. Despite this, they were as hyper as ever, dressed up as Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick and hurling candy and condoms into the audience. They won the crowd over by using “The Final Countdown” to segue into “Daylight.” Yes, they had t-shirt guns and giant inflatable spiders, and they were playing in a 1200-capacity ballroom – but there was no denying that this was the same band I saw after my senior prom.

Alas, if that was only the same case for Weezer. I should go ahead and say that I had a fucking amazing time. I was front row at a Weezer show, mere inches away from Rivers. This was the epitome of my high school fantasies. But something was amiss. This may have had something to do with the fact that they came out dressed like insects.

Yes, when Weezer took the stage, Brian was as a beetle, Pat was a praying mantis, Scott was something vague and sparkly, and Rivers –ever the Kiss fan—was a big, fuzzy purple spider. It was cheesy and nerdy, two of Weezer’s hallmarks, but what really brought it home was when Rivers stormed onto the stage, one of his many furry appendages got tangled in a microphone stand, causing him to stumble. All of this happened within the first few seconds of “Hash Pipe,” by the way.

Leighton Meester photo by Rachel Esterday

The theatrics were obviously a priority that night. Some of the stranger items of interest: Rivers brought out a ukulele with the sole intention of kicking its ass, Leighton Meester (a.k.a. Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl fame) made a cameo to help sing some song off of Raditude, Rivers proved to be quite adept with a trampoline, Pat played Rivers’ guitar parts for most of the show, Scott sang “My Name Is Jonas” (blasphemy!), and they ended the first set with their infamous MGMT/Lady Gaga medley. Oh, and Rivers rapped Lil Wayne’s part on “Can’t Stop Partying.” Vanilla Ice would be proud.

As both an insufferable snob and helpless Weezer fan, I was torn. I went beavershit crazy during any song from the first two albums, but during anything post-2001, I’d turn to my friend and shrug, mouthing, Do you know this song? (Yeah, we’re assholes.) Soon I noticed that we were pretty much the only ones not creaming ourselves over a song like “Pork and Beans.” Weezer plays stadiums and ballrooms for a reason – and it’s because of this new breed of diehard fans who unconditionally love Rivers, regardless of his questionable facial hair and fondness for Snuggies. These are the people who close their eyes and sway to “Beverly Hills,” while restlessly checking their Blackberries during “Surf Wax America.” In short, these are Weezer’s true fans, whereas I represent their bitter ex who is stuck in the past with the emotional stretch marks to prove it.

They ended the show with “Buddy Holly,” which was good enough for me. My inner-seventh grader was dying to hear “El Scorcho,” but it went unplayed that night. I’m sure it was for the best, as it wouldn’t have been the same without Eugene.

Weezer at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York (31 Oct 2009) photo by Jason Neely

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Fountain City Mini-Con at Community Center, Lenexa, KS (2021-07-24)

Fountain City Mini Con Flyer   Read More Comic Books We attended the first Midwest Comic Book Fans show Spring Fling Comic Book Show at Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View, Minnesota, today, May 15th, 2021. …

Of course, We ♥ Music, it’s in our name,

but as you can tell from other entries, we also love gaming, movies, comics, toys, and much more, especially when live events were suspended and everyone was mostly at home, but now that things are slowly opening back up, we’re happy to attend any related live events.

Fountain City Con returned for its fourth installment at the Community Center in Lenexa, KS for its second one-day mini show at this expanded 9000sq ft. location. Following county virus protocols, masks were optional for anyone already vaccinated, hand sanitizer was plentiful, and showing your proof of vaccination at the door, even got you a free comic of your choice.

Inside, the open room was full of dealers, an Artist Alley section of locals, more nationally known talent along the back wall, and wide aisles to maneuver through the crowded room, without any trouble.

Show guests included legendary artist Bob (Shadowman, Avengers, Batman) Hall; penciler Chris (Nameless, Batman Incorporated, Die!Die!Die!, Officer Downe) Burnham – a longtime Chicago-based mainstay who recently made nearby Overland Park his new home base; Aaron (Wonder Woman, Damage, Justice League) Lopresti; writer Dennis (X-Men, Spider-Woman, Jean Grey) “Hopeless” Hallum; and artist Stephen (Sea of Stars [w/Hallum], Hellboy and the BPRD) Green.

In addition, the Con commissioned the visiting artist to combine their talents on a benefit “jam illustration” that was sold in limited quantities and a silent auction and pre-show event, donated funds to Hero Alliance, the industry charity that helps fellow creators in need.

Despite the summer heat, crowd size was healthy and steady all day, with most in a good mood to have shows like this again, plenty of buy/ sell/ trade action, and fun for all ages. The show was very-comic selling-centric, with no cosplayers, panel discussions, or unrelated vendors (which was fine by us).

The good news for area fans is that the show has already announced its return on Saturday October 23^rd, with guests that will include artist Scott (Flash, Avengers, ADAM.3) Kolins.

Crowd

Crowd

Dealer

Dealer

Merch Toys

Crowd

Artist jam print in progress

Aaron Lopresti

Chris Burnham

Bob Hall

Fountain City Mini-Con at Community Center, Lenexa, KS (2021-07-24)

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Black Pistol Fire at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (27 Jul 2021)

Setlist Look Alive Pick Your Poison Suffocation Blues Lost Cause Redbone (Childish Gambino cover) Speak of the Devil Eastside Racket Level Hope in Hell Always on My Mind Hipster Shakes Wildfire Black Halo Beyond the Blue Run Rabbit Run Bully -- Encore -- Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover) Where You Been Before Tour Dates 07/28/21 – Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL 07/30/21 – Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL 07/31/21 – Delmar Hall – St Louis, MO 08/01/21 – Basement East – Nashville, TN Read More Black Pistol Fire Canadian-bred, but based out of Austin, Black Pistol Fire, has sold out their upcoming 7th Street Entry show in Minneapolis. The band’s latest Deadbeat Graffiti is available now. … Products “Gigawatt Residency” show at the 7th Street Entry. The show will feature local bands like Products, Controversial New 'Skinny Pill', and Sass. …

Turnout for the Black Pistol Fire at the Fine Line Music Café on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, was incredibly packed! This is great news, as traditionally, if the Fine Line was half empty, it would feel incredibly empty, simply because of its layout. So it was really nice to see a filled dancefloor and full balcony of guests.

It’s been over a year since we last saw Wire at Fine Line, before the pandemic shut down the city. While the venue remain unchanged, it would seem that First Avenue (the owner) has installed metal detectors at all their locations. The dectors are only large enough for one person, meaning if someone wishes to exit, you have to wait until they go through before sending someone to enter.

Local band Products (Alex on guitar, Jo on vocals, Konner on drums, and Jack on bass) played a quick 30-min set, mostly containing songs from their album Pink Puma. The band recently released a single, “(On Top) A Y'all Tower Of You” yesterday (July 26).

I have previously commented on generic band names, that it’s impossible for you find them online… so, personally speaking, I don’t like their name. Of course, as punk as they are, they’ll never change their name.

Look Alive Summer 2021 Tour

Austin duo Black Pistol Fire is seemingly very grateful to be back touring, especially because their “Look Alive” Summer 2021 tour is going so well… having sold out a few venues, including Emo’s in Austin. I don’t think the Fine Line show was sold out, but it sure felt like it, seeing as how packed the venue was. Still, it’s probably still a much better experience than their upcoming Lollapalooza appearance(s).

We first saw the band in Dec 2017 and wrote, “The duo (Kevin McKeown-guitar/lead vocals and Eric Owen- drums) had been getting great word-of-mouth regarding their live performances and proved it again this night, working themselves and the restless, head-bobbing crowd into a near-immediate lather with their blend of dirty garage blues rock starting with their incendiary opener, ‘Lost Cause’.”

Black Pistol Fire’s started off with a couple of new songs from Look Alive, starting with “Look Alive” (with its catchy chorus “Chasing white lines in my Psycho 69”) and “Pick Your Poison”. This was followed by a fan-favorite “Suffocation Blues”, from their debut self-titled album.

With the exceptions of a few tracks, the majority of the second half of their set were taken from their new album. No surprising, considering this was the Look Alive tour. My favorite of the new songs was actually “Always on My Mind”, which does start off slow, but it has a nice buildup and I like its pace.

My favorite of the set was “Speak of the Devil”, which had guitarist Kevin McKeown doing all sorts of face-acting as he played guitars. At times, it felt as if the guitar itself was singing lyrics only Mckeown understands.

It’s good to have live music back in the city, and Black Pistol Fire would agree. Their new album, Look Alive, is available now via Black Hill Records.

Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire at the Fine Line Music Café, Minneapolis (27 Jul 2021)

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R.I.P. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)

Read More Slipknot They are creepy and somehow nostalgic of something between t.A.T.u. and like…Slipknot. The bizarre outfits and masks and slippers …

Former Slipknot drummer and Murderdolls guitarist, Joey Jordison, has passed away at the age of 46.

Statement of Jordison Family on Death of Joey Jordison

We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26th, 2021. He was 46.

Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow.

To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.

The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time.

The family will hold a private funeral service and asks the media and public to respect their wishes.

For inquiries, please contact:
Danny Nozell, Jordison Family Representative

To keep track of all the musicians who died this year, head over to Musicians Who Died in 2021.

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