W♥M

12/09/2024

We♥KC! December 10-20, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

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‘1992 was the turning point for better musical acts Justin Timberlake vs Prince Local free Super Bowl 10-Day Celebration Expensive Super Bowl concerts .…

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Happy Holidays, all!

We’re thankful for another year filled with memorable shows from some of our favorite live acts, a wonderful season of live theater, and comic conventions, ballet, and everything else we were blessed to cover and bring you reports on.

The season slows until mid-January after these shows, so try and see that one live concert or performance (plenty of holiday classics out there too), to end the year on a high note.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from December 10th to 20^th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 10

Zakk Sabbath, Zoso, Iron Maidens, Dec 10, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $40-$70

Run! The 2024-25 King of the Monstours has just begun and is making a KS stop!

Ozzy and Pantera guitarist Zakk Wylde has launched a tour with Zakk Sabbath, his Black Sabbath cover band featuring bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson and drummer Joey Castillo. Zoso, the Led Zeppelin tribute band, and the Iron Maidens, the all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, will serve as supporting acts.

Additionally, Zakk Sabbath has released Greatest Riffs, a digital collection that includes songs from two of the band's albums, 2020's Vertigo and 2024's Doomed Forever Forever Doomed.

Wylde said. "If you're a rock musician — whether you're a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, whatever it is — part of your education is Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. You know a riff by one of those guys, just because it's your education. You learn how to play these songs."

KC Jazz Orchestra presents Charlie Brown Xmas, Dec 10, Kauffman, $14-$80

It’s classic tunes from the beloved Peanuts gang TV specials. Come see A Boy and His Dog, Linus, Lucy and the whole gang as the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra continues this wonderful holiday program!

The show sold out last year and has become a fun new local tradition during the holiday season- at least the weather is still mostly mild, so take a break from that holiday shopping and relax with some familiar songs that we all grew up.

Derek Hough (dance) Dec 10, Music Hall, $39-$159

Dance for the Holidays is an all-new joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family.

Fans will be thrilled and delighted as Hough and his cast of phenomenal dancers bring your favorite holiday tunes to life through dance, from the well sung classics to modern pop hits with all of the incredible choreography, exciting stage production and dance mastery that audiences have come to expect.

The Emmy®-wininng creative team of Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, (aka NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez’s ‘All I Have’, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, Grammys®), co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

The Nutcracker Ballet Dec 6-24, Kauffman, $34-$250

KC is very fortunate to have a professional company of the caliber of the Kansas City Ballet. We profiled a performance in 2023 and are thrilled as they return with this annual holiday tradition.

This timeless production leaves audiences in awe, earning praise such as “positively oozing charm” from The Washington Post. The enduring story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman during the Victorian era, unfolds before your eyes, featuring beloved characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.

Immerse yourself in a magical theatrical experience, complete with opulent costumes, magnificent sets, and mesmerizing choreography. Let your sense of wonder reignite and allow the glimmer of your childhood dreams to return, inspiring you to embrace imagination once more.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11

THURSDAY DECEMBER 12

girl in red, Dec 12, Uptown, $49-$83

The Norwegian singer-songwriter, (aka Marie Ulven) is on the last dates of her "I Have To See You Again" tour in support of her second studio album, I’m Doing It Again Baby!, which was released in April 2024. The LP features singles “Too Much”, “Doing It Again Baby” and “You Need Me Now?”, with Sabrina Carpenter.

"north america…i have to see u again 🤝❤️ coming to all the places i didn’t go in april /may!!!" she said, announcing the tour.

She previously wrapped up the European leg of the tour, with shows in Cologne, Munich, Prague, Stockholm and Oslo this September and played arena dates in the likes of Dublin and London during the run. girl in red broke into the indie music scene in 2018 with "I wanna be your girlfriend" and she later released hits "girls" and "We Fell In Love in October." Her debut album "If I Could Make it Go Quiet" came out in 2021 and hit “Serotonin” was all over the radio for months. We caught her live last time in KC, at the Truman in 2022.

Dane Cook (comedy) Dec 12, Music Hall, CANCELED

FRIDAY DECEMBER 13

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14

SUNDAY DECEMBER 15

Allman / Betts Family Reunion, Dec 15, Uptown, SOLD OUT

The Allman Betts Band has announced their first US tour since 2021 (and eighth overall) and they will play Kansas City for the first time. Individually, they're Devon Allman and Duane Betts, two solo artists and modern-day guitar heroes who've both spent years creating their version of American roots music.

Together, they're the leaders of The Allman Betts Band, a supergroup anchored by sharp songwriting, fiery fretwork, and a historic legacy. Each show will feature two massive sets, the first set will feature music from the 1970's Duane Allman era, while the second set will feature music from the 1990's comeback era.

Over the course of two acclaimed studio albums, hundreds of live shows, and annual performances of the Allman Betts Family Revival, The Allman Betts Band has established its own legacy of music and brotherhood.

Brotherhood of Light, a vital live component that has provided otherworldly visuals for the Allman Brothers Band for over 20 years, will return to illuminate the stage for The Allman Betts Family Revival. Their stunning visuals will enhance the performance, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates the music and legacy of this iconic band.

Guests expected are Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Jimmy Hall, Anders Osborne, Grace Bowers, Larry McCray, Lindsay Lou, Jackie Greene, Lamar Williams, Jr., Alex Orbison, Robert Randolph, Sierra Green, Greg Koch, and John Moreland.

Aaron Lewis, Dec 15, Ameristar Casino, SOLD OUT

The rock star turned country singer will make his way to Kansas City for a show on the "American Patriot" tour. Lewis is best known as founder and lead vocalist for the 1995 band, Staind, but also made the genre switch to country 14 years ago and has since earned multiple Grammy nominations and No.1 Billboard Country Album certifications as a solo artist.

Known for his skilled songwriting, the Vermont native released his fifth album, "The Hill," in March and his most popular Country songs include, "Sinner," "Am I the Only One" and "Granddaddy's Gun” but don’t fret rock fans, as Staind joins Breaking Benjamin for a tour that hits town in the spring.

MONDAY DECEMBER 16

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17

Crown Magnetar, Extermination Dismemberment, Extortionist Dec 17, Bottleneck- Lawrence,$16-$20

It’s the final 2024 tour stop for Crown Magnetar, Extermination Dismemberment, Extortionist, Atoll and LarcɆnia RoɆ who have hit the road under the banner of ‘The Unique Legion Tour‘

Their U.S. trek is a celebration of the Unique Leader Records roster, which the aforementioned bands are all signed with. Prepare for wall-shaking and head-banging.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20

Justin Timberlake, Dec 20, T-Mobile Center, $55-$275

The musician, actor, and entertainer is out on his first tour in five years with The Forget Tomorrow World Tour which has returned to the States after a successful first Spring leg, then touring legs in Europe and the UK.

JT has had to postpone or cancel a few recent dates due to a nagging back injury, but we have fingers crossed that he makes the KC date, as it’s his final tour stop of 2024.

Fans can expect to hear songs from his new and sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was (released in March), featuring its lead single “Selfish” as well as all the favorite hits.

National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity? Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ X / twitter.com

Posted at 07:21 PM in John, Kansas City, Kansas City Music Guide, Lawrence | Permalink | Comments (0)

26th Anniversary of George Perez Website

George Perez Website Version 5.2

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George Perez

As you know, we’re big George Perez fans, so it’s with a sad note that I pass along George’s statement about his retirement. After this 2019 convention…

One of my long-time readers, Ilke, reminded me that December 9th, is the 26th Anniversary of my George Perez Website. The website first appeared online on December 9, 1998, using a Fresno State University webhost server.

Over the years, the website was hosted at various servers, and for a long time (13 years), it lived on Google Sites… that is until they closed the free service in 2022.

I thought my salvation came when I purchased the unlimited hosting from iBrave, but unfortunately, that was a scam, and the webhost has closed down in December 2024.

For the time being, I have reverted to version 5 and the website thegeorgeperez.com will be forwarded to Typepad. I have looked at other webhosts, but they are just too costly, especially because I’m not making any money off the website.

Why I keep the website running is to bring fans together and over the years, I have met some great people, including George Perez, who was a big fan.

If George was still alive, he would say this (again):

As usual, thanks for the dedication you've been putting in on the Pérez website. It has been very flattering, and I know that my latest activities have been keeping you very busy.

Thank you for all the support throughout the years.

iBrave Closure

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 06:07 PM in Comic Books, DC Comics, George Perez, iBrave, Site Update | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minneapolis: January 5 to January 8, 2025

12/08/2024

Weekend Gamer: Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Details

Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Path of Exile 2 takes place in the land of Wraeclast, a dark continent populated by unique cultures, ancient secrets, and monstrous dangers. A sinister threat, long thought destroyed, has begun creeping back on the edge of civilisation, driving people mad and sickening the land with Corruption.

Path of Exile 2 features a brand new campaign with six acts, 100 distinct environments, 600 monsters and 100 bosses.

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Path of Exile

To get my Diablo-style fix, I am re-playing Path of Exile, with a new character, playing in anticipation of Path of Exile 2… which is set to release sometime in 2024. ..…

Earlier this year, in my review of Last Epoch, I wrote that Path of Exile 2 was going to launch in 2024. Well, the game has officially launched in beta on Friday, December 6, 2024. If you want to play the game, you are going to have to buy a $30 supporter pack. Otherwise, you will have to wait about a year before it officially launches as a free game.

I have been itching to try out the game for some time now, so, of course, like more than one million players, I have decided to pay for early access.

So far, I have only put in about four hours into the game, playing as the Ranger (I’m only at Level 7), but also dabbing into the Warrior (to see how the gameplay differs). It’s very good, even though the game is not finished yet. We’re still missing a fourth act and missing two additional characters: the Druid and the Huntress.

Graphically, it looks amazing, but perhaps it’s on my laptop video card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 TI), sometimes, when there are plenty of enemies on the screen, it does look fuzzy and jaggy when everything is moving so fast. Once I’m on my real computer, I will look at the differences… but for now, because of my mobile status, it is good to passable.

One thing is for sure; it is that this game is way better than Diablo IV. It is what D4 should have been, but based on the developer’s changing the game to level-scale, I cannot play it. With POE2, it is a challenge, which I am fine (especially when I return later and destroy the enemies after I level up).

Since the game only launched on Friday, everybody is starting fresh with POE2, and discovering what character build works best or the best strategy to use for specific characters.

With POE2, there are some changes from the first game - primarily the way gems work. For example, you get “uncut gems”, so you need to pick between three different skills. There’s also support gems, which modifies existing skills, etc. You can level up the gems by getting Level 2 gems or upgrading existing gem by finding a Level 2 gem, etc. I like the new changes, it’s just easier to pick your skills, rather than hoping your help has the right color slot so you can use your skill.

If I’m not too tired tonight, I will try out the Witch and see how that plays out. She’s supposed to be like the Necromancer, meaning she has minions fight for her while she does damage with curses and depowers.

If you can wait about a year, you can play the game for free, but if you simply cannot wait, you can pay the $30 supporter act and get in. The way I see it, if you like these types of games, just think of it as buying the game. I got more enjoyment out of this $30 game (that is supposed to be free eventually!) than I did with my $80 Diablo IV purchase.

Yours,

Weekend Gamer

12/07/2024

TopHouse at Fine Line (12-06-2024)

06 Dec 2024 Tophouse with Griffin William Sherry at Fine Line

Tour Dates

Dec 7 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre

Dec 8 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway

Dec 28 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom

Dec 29 – Lexington, KY – The Burl

Dec 30 – Nashville, TN – The Mil

Dec 31 – Nashville, TN – The Mil

Jan 14 – Telluride, CO – The Alibi

Jan 15 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

Jan 17 – Buena Vista, CO – The Lariat

Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

Jan 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell

Feb 2-9 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – String Break Cruise!

Feb 20 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe

Feb 21 – Austin, TX – The Far Out Lounge & Stage

Feb 22 – Dallas, TX – Ferris Wheelers

March 5 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room

March 6 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre

March 7 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theatre

March 8 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre

March 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

March 12 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall Hartford

March 13 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

March 14 – Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall

March 15 – Lansing, MI – Grewall Hall

March 16 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater

March 27 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom

March 28 – Columbus, OH – Athenaeum Theatre

March 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre

April 9 – Eugene, OR – WOW Hall

April 10 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom

April 11 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

April 12 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma

April 13 – Billings, MT – Pub Station

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TopHouse

Montana-bred/Nashville-based, indie-folk quartet TopHouse is headlining the Fine Line, in Minneapolis, on December 6th, 2024. The band’s latest EP Theory is out now, but look forward to their upcoming …

Winter had settled in the Twin Cities and most dressed accordingly, but the room would soon warm up to the point where a side door at the Fine Line would open to vent the heat generated from the sold out show.

Griffin William Sherry and his band got right to it with a driving song “Our Town”. By his second “Roll Down Slow” it became apparent he had a lot in the engine with a booming, raspy, voice that kept pace with his band.

Sherry is from Maine and he has launched a solo career after playing with the trio The Ghost of Paul Revere. He is supporting his debut album Hundred Mile Wilderness, which was released in September.

“How about TopHouse,” Sherry mentioned to the crowd.

“You're awesome, too,” shouted a woman from the crowd.

He must have made an impression, for TopHouse asked him to come back after opening for them on the California leg earlier in the year. A nice surprise was a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe (In the Air)”, which he and his band turned into an anthem, like Bruce Springstein’s “Thunder Road”.

Spending some time on their website, I came to the conclusion that TopHouse does not wish to be taken too seriously. Spending an evening with them, I came to realize that they enjoy cracking jokes just as much as playing music. By the second song, Jesse Davis - in a deadpan delivery, said, “ We’re really excited to sing to you a song about a dog that drowns” (Irish Rover).

TopHouse formed in 2015 when Davis on guitar and mandolin formed a Celtic Folk duo with Will Cook on violin. Their first gigs were playing in parking garages during Missoula, Montana’s cold winters because they liked the reverb and sound. Then it was farmer’s markets, coffee shops, tap rooms and soon barns when they added Joe Larson to sing and pretend to play the banjo and Andy LaFave to play the piano.

It may have been my first show where the crowd may have enjoyed the banter more than the music, and the music was great, lively, fun and kept the crowd dancing as Davis flexed his calves, Larson did a quick (one page) book reading, and Larson described the band’s day with a twinkle in his eye à la Norm MacDonald, where nothing actually happened other than traveling from Chicago and finding a bite to eat after sound check. They even let everyone on stage take a stanza of a “Big Iron” cover regardless if the person could sing. Then a rousing cover of Steve Earle’s “The Galway Girl” with LaFave playing the penny whistle.

But soon the fun was coming to a close as Larson stated that they will not be leaving the stage, only to be cheered back on. “We here at TopHouse LLC believe that the “encore” will be the last song.”

Larson did not want to ruin the flow of the evening, which he believed was running at 100%. And so they launched into an original song “Airport!” from their latest EP Theory, a joyous song about the joys of modern air travel.

I’m gonna queue it up in line
take off my clothes in front of strangers
Who knew that belts and
shoes could be so dangerous

1 / 6

TopHouse at Fine Line (06 Dec 2024)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 05:11 PM in Dave, Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis, The Ghost Of Paul Revere, Tophouse | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minneapolis: This Week (12/15/2024)

What’s happening this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

10 Dec 2024 girl in red with Sunday (1994) at Palace Theatre

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Girl in Red

Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ulven, or better known as her stage name Girl in Red (stylized as girl in red) will be doing a North American tour in 2022. The girl in red North American tour is selling quickly with several shows …

10 Dec 2024 Tuesday

girl in red
with Sunday (1994)
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

Norwegian singer-songwriter and record producer girl in red is touring in support of I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY! (Columbia Records). The tour will stop in at the Palace Theatre, in St Paul, on December 10, 2024.

In addition to her North American tour, she can also be found on A24 Music’s Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, which comes in celebration of the recent re-release of Jonathan Demme’s iconic concert film of the same name and the 40th anniversary of its accompanying soundtrack album.

Girl in Red at The Truman (29 Mar 2022)

We saw girl in red in March 2022 and said, “It’s fair to say area fans had been waiting more than two years to finally see Girl in Red live. The show was long sold out and had to be postponed a couple times, and it’s also fair to say when shrieks of joy are let out as techs tuned each instrument, and a dozen or so handmade signs were held high in the crowd all night long, that you’ve made it and also made a connection. Just twenty-three herself, Norwegian Marie Ringheim has quickly amassed a huge international fan base, and being an all-ages show, the audience was a diverse group- mostly female pre-teens, college-age, parents, LGBTQ+, and even middle-age and older folks.”

Sunday (1994) to open.

Tour dates:

Nov 23 Dallas, TX, US The Factory

Nov 24 Austin, TX, US Austin City Limits Live

Nov 26 Atlanta, GA, US The Eastern

Nov 27 Raleigh, NC, US The Ritz

Nov 29 Pittsburgh, PA, US Stage AE

Nov 30 New Haven, CT, US College Street Music Hall

Dec 1 Montclair, NJ, US Wellmont Theater

Dec 4 Cleveland, OH, US Agora Theatre

Dec 6 Columbus, OH, US Columbus Athenaeum

Dec 8 Indianapolis, IN, US Old National Centre

Dec 9 Milwaukee, WI, US The Rave-Eagles Club

Dec 10 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre

Dec 12 Kansas City, MO, US Uptown Theater

Dec 14 Mesa, AZ, US Mesa Amphitheatre

Mar 15 2025 Mexico City, Mexico Pepsi Center WTC

Mar 27 2025 Bogota, Colombia Festival Estero Picnic

Mar 28 2025 São Paulo, Brazil Lollapalooza

12 Dec 2024 Daphne Jane with Ella Luna, Ava Levy and Kiernan at 7th St Entry

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Daphne Jane

Opening the show was local, by the way of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Daphne Jane. Jane is joined on stage with her band: Nate on guitar, Anna on bass, Connor on keys, and Martin on drums ...

12 Dec 2024 Thursday

Daphne Jane
with Ella Luna, Ava Levy and Kiernan
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Queer indie pop artist Daphne Jane is headlining the 7th Street Entry this December 12, 2024.

Daphne Jane at 7th Street Entry (18 April 2023)

We saw Daphne Jane in April 2023 and wrote, “Opening the show was local, by the way of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Daphne Jane. Jane is joined on stage with her band: Nate on guitar, Anna on bass, Connor on keys, and Martin on drums. Jane seems to love being on stage, this may be because she’s been writing music and playing gigs since she was just 12 years old. Again, she rather be nowhere but on stage, as she mentioned she’s actually missing graduate day to be here with us.”

Ella Luna, Ava Levy and Kiernan to open.

Daphne Jane writes:

7th street headline 12/12 🌠

with all that is going on in the world i am devoted to continue to make space to share music, to dance, and to be in community.

i will be playing nearly entirely a new set with unreleased music & I can’t wait to show you all what I’ve been working on & writing.

honored to be playing aside @ellalunacy who is traveling from Denver to share her sapphic songstress beauty, @aviator_000 one of my local favs to share the stage with, & @kiernan_theband joining on a bill together for the first time. I am dedicated more than ever to continue to collaborate with/lift up women, BIPOC, and queer artists to create safe spaces to share our art.

13-15 Dec 2024 Wilco at Palace Theatre

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Wilco

This is not a typical venue for music: Hall’s Island... but it makes sense for a band as massive as Wilco. They’ve simply outgrown First Avenue’s mainstage and need ...

13 Dec 2024 Friday
14 Dec 2024 Saturday
15 Dec 2024 Sunday

Wilco
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

The incredibly popular Wilco will be doing a three-night residency at the Palace Theatre, in St Paul, from December 13 to December 15, 2024. The band released Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP, earlier in June, via dBpm Records.

Wilco at Historic Hall's Island (20 Aug 2016)

We saw Wilco in Aug 2016 and said, “Wilco (Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche, Mikael Jorgensen, Nels Cline, and Pat Sansone) has quite the fanbase in Minneapolis, the turnout was incredible for this Chicago band. Even singer / guitarist Jeff Tweedy had to comment about the great turnout, “Minneapolis, we were just here. We love it here, and we are going to come back every 13 months, whether you want us or not. This feels like a hometown gig!” Tweedy was referring to their headlining appearance at the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis in July 2015, exactly 13 months ago. Wilco’s current ninth studio album is the oddly-named Star Wars album... the record has nothing to do with the George Lucas creation. The record was given away for free on their website, but fans still pre-ordered the CD (and eventual vinyl version).”

Tour dates:

Dec 5 Austin, TX, US Austin City Limits Live

Dec 6 Austin, TX, US Austin City Limits Live

Dec 7 Austin, TX, US Austin City Limits Live

Dec 10 Tulsa, OK, US Cain's Ballroom

Dec 11 Tulsa, OK, US Cain's Ballroom

Dec 13 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre

Dec 14 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre

Dec 15 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre

Apr 25 2025 Miramar Beach, FL, US Moon Crush Music Festival

May 15 2025 Charlotte, NC, US The Amp Ballantyne

Jun 16 2025 Deurne, Belgium OLT Rivierenhof

Jun 17 2025 Deurne, Belgium OLT Rivierenhof

Jun 19 2025 Dachau, Germany Rathausplatz

Jun 20 2025 Dortmund, Germany Junkyard Open Air

Jun 22 2025 London, UK Royal Albert Hall

Jun 26 2025 Barcelona, Spain Alma

Jun 29 2025 Valencia, Spain Auditorio La Marina Norte

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to [email protected] with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 03:46 AM in Daphne Jane, Girl in Red, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Music Guide, Wilco | Permalink | Comments (0)

12/06/2024

Cyndi Lauper at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (2024-12-04)

Cyndi Lauper 2024-12-04 Mpls Target Center

CYNDI LAUPER SETLIST

Intro (Video Montage Intro)
She Bop
The Goonies 'R' Good Enough
When You Were Mine (Prince cover)
I Drove All Night
Who Let In the Rain
Iko Iko (Sugar Boy and His Cane Cutters cover)
Funnel of Love (Wanda Jackson cover)’
Sally’s Pigeons
I'm Gonna Be Strong (Frankie Laine cover)
Fearless
(Video Interlude)
Sisters of Avalon
Change of Heart
Time After Time (with Lucinda Williams)
Money Changes Everything (The Brains cover)

Encore:
Shine (From B Stage)
True Colors (B Stage)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (with GAYLE)

GAYLE SETLIST

leave me for dead
snow angels
ALEX
kiddie pool
Bennie and the Jets (Elton John cover)
i don't sleep as good as i used to
don't call me pretty
abcdefu

CYNDI LAUPER TOUR DATES

DEC 5 United Center Chicago, IL
DEC 7 Hard Rock Live Etess Arena Atlantic City, NJ
FEB 8 OVO Hydro Glasgow, UK
FEB 9 Co-op Live Manchester, UK
FEB 11 The O2 London, UK
FEB 14 bp pulse LIVE Birmingham, UK
FEB 16 The SSE Arena, Belfast, UK
FEB 19 Papp László Sportaréna Budapest, Hungary
FEB 21 Atlas Arena Łódź, Poland
FEB 23 O2 Arena Prague, Czech Republic
FEB 25 Uber Arena Berlin, Germany
FEB 26 ISS DOME - Dusseldorf Congress Sport & Event GmbH Düsseldorf, Germany
FEB 28 Accor Arena Paris, France
APR 2 Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, Australia
APR 5 Entertainment Centre Brisbane, Australia
APR 7 Newcastle Entertainment Centre Broadmeadow, Australia
APR 8 Qudos Bank Arena Sydney, Australia
APR 10 Entertainment Centre Hindmarsh, Australia
APR 12 RAC Arena Perth, Australia
APR 19 Maruzen Intec Arena Osaka, Japan
APR 22 Nippon Budokan Tokyo, Japan
APR 23 Nippon Budokan Tokyo, Japan

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper is currently on tour for her 30th Anniversary of She's So Unusual (originally released October 14, 1983, on Portrait Records), stopping by Mill City Nights in Minneapolis last night. …

(Reporting and photos from fan-in-the-stands John "PBS" Rafalski)

More than forty years on, Girls Still Wanna a Have Fun!

On her arena-sized Farewell Tour (a wave goodbye only to multi-city touring), 80’s pop icon Cyndi Lauper brought her stage production and numerous hit songs to the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, and our resident fan-in-the-stands, was there to take it all in!

Nashville by-way-of Texas singer-songwriter Gayle (stylized in all caps) opened the evening with a dose of girl power of her own, even paying homage to the headliner by sporting one of her t-shirts. She’s released a handful of singles since her 2022 breakout Atlantic Records EPs, but she preferred playing the more familiar, even working in her cover of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.”

A bit of a rebel herself (as also evidenced when we saw her headlining in 2023) she wrapped her set with two (non-capitalized) singles from last year, “i don't sleep as good as i used to” and “don't call me pretty” before launching into her breakout initial hit, “ABCDEFU” which was even more successful overseas, topping the charts in the UK, Ireland, and on Billboard’s Worldwide chart.

====

At 71 years young, Cyndi Lauper remains lovably oddball, verbose, talented, and yes, fun, as ever, as when she broke out solo after leaving her previous group Blue Angel, for her classic smash first solo album, 1983’s “She’s So Unusual”, even taking the Best New Artist Grammy Award that year.

A montage video intro reminded the crowd of all her many high points and Lauper and her seven-piece band began their two-hour headlining set with a literal bang, on “She Bop”, complete with a euphoric release of confetti at the end.

Moving next into a 1985 Goonies: film song and a familiar early Prince cover (complete with all-purple stage lightning), it became very clear how varied her songs are in range and theme, and despite her now singing some in a lower key (which happens to spare us from some of those vintage bird squeals).

“Going out big” as she has said about this last large-scale tour, everything really was- from the accordion-like video screens, the bright color wigs, and the fashion of striking outfits courtesy of wunderkind designer Christian Siriano, and the endless polka-dots of fabled Japanese designer Yayoi Kusama.

With her still very pronounced Queens NY accent speaking between most songs, it was a reminder that this was a very live show (no tapes or per-recorded bits here) when Lauper would pause to tell a story, or comment on whatever happened to come to mind at the moment.

A reminder as well, when she began, stopped, began, stopped, began, and eventually had to give up on a Frankie Laine cover, presumably due to some cold weather dry throat, remarking “I don’t know what’s wrong” but she rebounded quickly with an unplanned acapella version of 1996’s “Fearless”.

A well-timed video interlude gave Lauper a chance to catch her breath and regain some vocal strength and a few songs following, surprise guest Lucinda Williams appeared to duet on the huge hit, “Time After Time”. Fans reveled in the combination, despite Lauper’s cough returning and having to hold Williams’ arm for support.

“Money Changes Everything” ended the main set on a high note and all attention moved to the smaller B-stage for the encore songs of “Shine” and “True Colors”, both of which have become bigger in scope than when first released and have transformed into powerful social statements of love, acceptance, and a freedom to be just as you are.

Lauper returned to the main stage for her crown jewel song that would end the night and her biggest ever hit, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” accompanied by opener Gayle, making it obviously clear (both now, as back then) that females just want the freedom to chart their own destinies... and maybe still have a little fun along the way.

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

CYNDI LAUPER at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (04 Dec 2024)

CYNDI LAUPER at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (04 Dec 2024)

CYNDI LAUPER at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (04 Dec 2024)

GAYLE at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (04 Dec 2024)

John C ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥X / twitter.com ♥ bsky.ap

Posted at 07:22 PM in Cyndi Lauper, Gayle, John, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target Center | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: arena headliner, Cyndi Lauper, Fan in the Stands, Farewell Tour, Gayle singer, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, John Rafalski, kinky boots, live review, Lucinda Williams, Minneapolis, MN concert review, She Bop, Target Center, True Colors

Little Fevers at Turf Club (05 Dec 2024)

Little Fevers at Turf Club (05 Dec 2024)

Little Fevers Setlist

Hunter
Muscle, Skin and Bone
Baby’s Baby’s
Daytime People
Cars
Lotta Love
No More (Neil Young cover)
Male Truck
Stranger Romance
Natural Reaction
Apple Tree
Waiting Place
Gimme Time
All Alone
Can’t Get Enough

Previously

Little Fevers at Cloudland Theater (23 May 2024)

At the Cloudland show, as you can see from their setlist, they were focused on newer songs from a new, forthcoming album.

According to the band, they’ve been working at Pleasure Horse’s Timothy Evenson’s studio and were excited to showcase their new songs. The first single they’ve released is called “Waiting Place” (which was played mid-set).

Read More

Little Fevers

Local new wave indie pop Little Fevers (not to be confused with Philadelphia’s Little Fevers) just headlined the Cloudland Theater, in Minneapolis, on Thursday, May 23, 2024. …

A cold night in St. Paul was the real opener for a local show headlined by Little Fevers at Turf Club.

Echo Parlor was first up. A classic quartet (guitar, bass, keys, and drums) had a solid indie rock sound that edged in different directions depending on the song; more folk rock in the long opening song Different Lanes, more 90’s alternative in the second. Great backing vocals made a lush sound. This was only the fourth show for the Eau Clair band, and their first in the Twin Cities. I’ll give any band credit for calling a song (their second to last) their “dragon-slaying song” (actually titled The Difference). A quick chat after their set was informative. While this was the band’s first show in the Cities, these are more seasoned performers who have been part of other bands. Fun fact, hearing these songs live is the only way that most of them can currently be heard. We’ll be watching for more from this band.

Betty Won’t came out with a very country & western feel from the five piece band. There was a heavy twang in the vocals, with wistful regret showing up in the second song Tomorrow. Guitar instrumentals echoed that western feel in the third song, Muck Around and were solid throughout. As the lead singer laughingly said, “We have another sad one for you”. This was a very consistent set and band, who have largely nailed an ethos. There was a great intro to the song Cash It In, with the lead singer saying “this is a song about being sad AND lonely” which was followed up by a band mate saying “Aren’t they all?”.

The country theme carried through to the next band Pleasure Horse. The stage was full for this sextet, with a slide guitar taking up front stage right. With the lead singer often on harmonica, there was a lot going on musically, but centered within that Americana sound. There was a bit of Jayhawks similarity here, as they edged towards a more rock & roll sound at times, but always came back to a more country feel, particularly with Matt Johnson’s slide guitar work. Aways Away, normally their closer, was pulled to mid-set and is probably a great starting point to their music. After a very straight country number (Still Getting Over You), the band played a country waltz. A cover of NRBQ’s Magnet closed out the set.

Long time band Little Fevers took the stage to finish out the night. A board mishap delayed the start a bit, but was eventually overcome. One surprise was that one of the members had played the entirety of the set with Pleasure Horse. But this is a very different sound, as Little Fevers is an indie pop band. The opening song, Hunter, was straight indie bubble gum and set the tone. Lead singer Lucy Michelle’s strong vocals cut through the guitars and the dual back up vocals make a pleasant contrast.

The song Baby’s Baby’s (from their 2024 release, Singles, Vol. 2), had a quiet start before opening into the full band’s sound. The lead guitar work grew increasingly central in the middle part of the set, with a number of solid solos. In the “first time I’ve seen that department”, we had a shoe cymbal for a song, that somehow wasn’t ridiculous. Little Fevers showed a calm throughout the set while still bringing a lot of energy. A late song, Stranger Romance, was a delight and led to a lot of audience appreciation, as did the song Gimme Time.

It was pretty obvious from the start of the closing song, but I confirmed with Michelle that she is the voice of an iconic and commonly played call for the University of Minnesota’s Radio K (“This is Little Fevers and you’re listening to Radio K”, as well as the opening lyrics of Can’t Get Enough bring played for Radio K’s weekly release spotlight). Although it may have been cold outside, Little Fevers helped the audience forget about it for a while and really, what more can you ask?

Little Fevers at Turf Club (05 Dec 2024)

Pleasure House

1 / 15

Little Fevers

thaddeus ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 08:47 AM in Jayhawks, Little Fevers, Radio K, St Paul, Thaddeus, Turf Club | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Very Last Christmas

Last Christmas, we had Last Christmas (film), Alanis Morissette, Coco & Clair Clair, ASTN, and Disconnected Souls, all doing “Last Christmas”. The last, last Christmas we had Boris and Lunar Vacation doing “Last Christmas.

Also, here are other bands who covered “Last Christmas”: Kristin Control, I Like Trains, Britt Nicole, Twelve Girls Band, Crazy Frog, Ashley Tisdale, I'm So Look You, Hilary Duff, Billie Paul Piper, and Dam Vinh Hung, and recently, The Philly Specials.

Will this be the Last Christmas?

Read more Christmas.

Last Christmas: 40th Anniversary by Wham!

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Wham!

Wham!'s "Last Christmas" song is possibly one of the best Christmas pop song. Released in 1984, it dominated the charts and is still very popular even today (especially in Japan and ...

WHAM!
wham.world

Ahead of the 40th anniversary of one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, WHAM!, George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music announce the release of the Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP

The EP will feature all the original 7” and 12” version, as well as George Michael’s 2006 performance of “Last Christmas” at London’s Wembley Arena. The EP will be available on limited edition 12” Snowflake white vinyl, 12” picture disc, 12” zoetrope picture disc, plus CD and digital… and it comes out on December 13th, 2024.

The six-time multi-platinum classic peaked at Number One in 16 countries upon its release and is officially the fourth highest-selling single of all time in the UK. The song is a staple of Christmas music since 1984… and every year a new generation of musicians covers the song.

The Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP – out December 13th via Sony Music.

VINYL FORMATS
Side A
1. Last Christmas
2. Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)

Side B
3. Last Christmas (Live at Wembley Arena, December 2006)
4. Last Christmas (Instrumental)

DIGITAL/CD
1. Last Christmas
2. Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)
3. Last Christmas (Live at Wembley Arena, December 2006)
4. Last Christmas (Instrumental)

Last Christmas by Isabella&Sebastian

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Belle & Sebastian

In the world of Scottish indie pop, Belle and Sebastian surely must be the hardest working band in the business. Having put out albums pretty steadily ever since they started releasing some devastatingly ...

Isabella&Sebastian
isabellasebastian.com

Memphis’ indie-pop duo Isabella&Sebastian (not to be confused with Belle & Sebastian) have just released their cover of Wham!’s “Last Christmas”. The song was Mastered by Brad Blackwood (Prince, Fleetwood Mac, KISS, Maroon 5, Black Eyed Peas, Sara Bareilles, and beyond).

If you listen to the cover, it’s upbeat and fun and sparkling. Check out the music video on YouTube, and stay until the end.

I hope B&S’s singer Stuart Murdoch will them amusing and ask them to open for Belle and Sebastian at a future tour.

In addition, Isabella&Sebastian have announced a contest kicking off on December 19 inviting DJs to remix the newly remastered version of their hit single, “Helium.” Submissions will be accepted through February 2. One day early access on December 18 will be granted to those who submit their email prior to December 19.

Recently, Isabella&Sebastian was asked to perform at the recent NBA Memphis Grizzlies’ afternoon pre-game and halftime show.

Look to hear more from I&S in the future.

Last Christmas by Louisa Stancioff

Louisa Stancioff
louisastancioff.net

Maine’s singer/songwriter Louisa Stancioff recently released her version of Wham’s holiday classic, “Last Christmas.”

Talking about the song, Stancioff said, “To me, "Last Christmas" is and isn't a Christmas song - It's really just a sad love song set to a fun dance beat that happens to mention Christmas a few times. I kept coming back to it and the more I got to know the song, the more I fell in love with it. My favorite version is the original, and I wanted to embody that energy in our recording. I wanted to make a fun Christmas song you can dance to during the holiday season (and maybe cry to) and I think we did just that.”

Louisa’s debut album When We Were Looking is out now. Check out the Official Press Release.

Last Christmas by The Kestrels

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Kestrels

This was Halifax’s Kestrels eight and final show with Bob Mould, and what a great show to end their brief tour (being as this used to be Mould’s old stomping grounds). The band released an album, Dream or Don’t Dream, on ....

Kestrels
kestrels.bandcamp

Nova Scotia rockers Kestrels recently dropped their fuzzy version of Wham’s “Last Christmas”… just in time for the holiday.

Kestrels at First Avenue (25 Sep 2021)

We saw Kestrels in Sep 2021, and wrote, “This was Halifax’s Kestrels eight and final show with Bob Mould, and what a great show to end their brief tour (being as this used to be Mould’s old stomping grounds). The band released an album, Dream or Don’t Dream, on Darla Records, during the COVID pandemic, and so the band was so excited to finally play those songs live.”

Look for Kestrels’ upcoming album Better Wonder to arrive Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, via Darla Records.

If you have a 2024 Christmas/Holiday song, please provide as much detail as possible to [email protected] before Christmas Day (December 25, 2024). Thank you.

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 07:00 AM in Belle and Sebastian, Christmas, Cover Lover, George Michael, Isabella&Sebastian, Kestrels | Permalink | Comments (0)

12/05/2024

Funny Girl (Broadway Touring) at The Music Hall, Kansas City MO (2024-12-03 through 12-08)

(Funny Girl Playbill from The Music Hall Kansas City, MO)

KANSAS CITY SHOWTIMES

Wednesday, December 4: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 5: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 6: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7: 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 7: 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8: 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 8: 6:30 p.m.

FUNNY GIRL TOUR DATES

Dec 3-8 Kansas City, MO Music Hall
Dec 10-22 Denver, CO Buell Theatre
Dec 31-Jan 5 Madison, WI Overture Center
Jan 7-12 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center
Jan 14-19 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Perf Arts Hall
Jan 21-26 Ft. Myers, FL Mann Performing Arts Hall
Jan 28-Feb 2 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
Feb 4-16 Boston, MA Citizens Opera House
Feb 25-Mar 2 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theater
Mar 4-9 Austin, TX Bass Concert Hall
Mar 11-16 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
Mar 18-23 Fayetteville, AR Walton Arts Center
Mar 25-30 Columbus, OH Ohio Theatre
Apr 1-6 Schenectady, NY Proctors Theatre
Apr 8-13 Rochester, NY West Herr Auditorium Theatre

Read More

Broadway in Kansas City

Hadestown, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album....

“Hello (again) Gorgeous!”

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and a revised book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, the anticipated revival of the Broadway classic, Funny Girl has made a tour stop in downtown Kansas City. It's playing now through Sunday at The Music Hall, and we were fortunate enough to catch opening night.

First staged in 1964, it’s rightfully best-known as the star launching pad for a young Barbra Streisand, who made her film debut in the William Wyler directed 1968 version, after her successful run in the original Broadway cast, and then taking it to London’s West End.

This bittersweet comedy is the story of plucky Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage, eventually becoming one of the stage’s beloved performers, and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein.

This revival originated on Broadway in 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein and later Lea Michelle and is out on its first nationwide tour starring Hannah Shankman as Fanny Brice, Stephen Mark Lukas as Nicky, Grammy Award-winner Melissa Manchester as Fanny’s mother, and Izaiah Montaque Harris as friend Eddie.

Harris is stunning in an Act I tap dance, with tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, and there’s another fun tap routine in Act II along with several cast dance numbers, courtesy of choreography by Ellenore Scott, with direction from Michael Mayer.

Shankman was unfortunately called away on short notice on opening night, so the role fell effortlessly to NYC-based Leah Platt, who typically plays Emma, and also understudies and takes on the lead role on most Thursday performances. Platt’s voice proved her range by the first few numbers, and seemed to grow stronger and slightly more confident as the show continued.

The songs themselves should have at least a few familiar to most, with several becoming modern stage standards - “People,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” “Sadie, Sadie Married Lady,” “You are Woman,” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade” are among the just over two-dozen selections.

At 71 years young, Bronx native Manchester (who really leans into that NYC accent) showed she still has plenty of lung power left on “Who Taught Her Everything?” sung by her Mrs. Brice and the Eddie Ryan character.

Kansas City’s own Walter Coppage as Flo Zeigfield (of Follies fame) is another welcome addition to the cast, featuring a booming speaking voice that is part Giancarlo Esposito, part James Earl Jones. The other 20 or so members of the company get involved in several of the full cast song and dance routines that embody that of timeless and classic Broadway performances.

Costumes by Susan Hilferty are often lush, especially as Brice’s star rises and pay homage not only to the now 1924-set year the musical inhabits but also are a slight nod to the designs from the late 60’s film, that many will recognize. Lighting by Kevin Adams stays effective throughout without trying to be obtrusive or extreme, and thanks to the many backdrops, scenes moved quickly and without a hitch.

The weakest part may be in the narrative itself and trying to get every little part of the story in during the run time. Brice is a struggling up-and-comer as the musical begins, but within some 20min, she becomes a lead performer and is in deep as a couple with entrepreneur Nicky, quickly getting rich and famous. The Follies numbers could be bigger in scale as well but is likely limited by the size of the company.

All said, those are minor quibbles for a classic musical that’s taken sixty years to have a revival. Funny Girl has been away too long; but now’s your chance, to again say “Hello Gorgeous!” to this timeless production.

Funny Girl plays in Kansas City at The Music Hall through Sunday, December 8 with Tickets available here: Funny Girl (Touring) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule | Ticketmaster

(National Tour Photos by Matthew Murphy and provided by their website) / Click on any image to enlarge and see in full)

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ X / Twitter.com

Posted at 10:05 PM in Broadway, John, Kansas City, Musical, Theater | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: 2024-2025 Broadway season, American Theater Guild, Broadway, Broadway touring, Fanny Brice, Funny Girl, Hello Gorgeous, Kansas City, KC Theater, KCMO, live review, live stage, Melissa Manchester, Playbill, Streisand, The Music Hall, theater review

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TopHouse at Fine Line (12-06-2024)

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Cyndi Lauper at Target Center, Minneapolis MN (2024-12-04)

Little Fevers at Turf Club (05 Dec 2024)

The Very Last Christmas

12/05/2024

Funny Girl (Broadway Touring) at The Music Hall, Kansas City MO (2024-12-03 through 12-08)

December 2024

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