W♥M

Sci-Fi-A-I

Read More The Expanse Possibly the best Science Fiction television show on air right now is The Expanse (no, it’s not Star Trek: Discovery). As I previously mentioned, I love this show. In the world of the Expanse, there are three major …

Beacon 23
amazon.com

There is a new Sci-Fi show on Amazon Prime called Beacon 23. The show is based on the short story series of the same name by Hugh Howey. Originally it was meant to air on Spectrum Originals and AMC Networks… but it’s currently on MGM+ (which is own by Amazon).

The show stars Lena Headey, from Game of Thrones. She is a survivor from a spaceship crash and finds herself woken up on a space lighthouse called Beacon 23. The sole occupant named Halan Kai Nelson, but there’s more to his story than he lets on.

It’s a bit of mystery, and I’m not going to give away too much details… but let’s just say that it’s not what you think it is. Halan is locked out of control because of the A.I. malfunction. The Artificial Intelligence is written in a way where it has “emotions”, which is quite odd. Why would anyone program anger and sadness in a computer program?

Update: I’ve just watched Episode 4 of Beacon 23 and have concluded that this show is absolutely no good. The problem with this series is about the AI. Let me tell you, computers should not have feelings or are they children. It’s just dumb. In this episode, the computer is written like it is a three-year-old and it decides to murder someone. This is just bad writing.

Also, while we’re at it, for a space station, why is there only one person living there? Don’t you need a crew to keep maintenance on the space light house? Or how come the computer didn’t know someone was in the airlock? My home camera and sense motion, don’t you think an advance space craft would have basic sensors? It doesn’t make any sense.

If you’re looking for smart Sci-Fi, I suggest checking out The Expanse.

Read More Star Wars It seems like no one is watching Andor… or at least you rarely hear people talking about this Star Wars new television show on Disney Plus. Maybe it’s because fans are tired of Star Wars or maybe they’re just not interested in this weird prequel to Star Wars: Rogue One? …

The Creator
20thcenturystudios.com

Gareth Edwards’ latest film The Creator has gotten positive reviews. The film grossed $103.5 million with a “low” budget of $80 million.

Edwards is no stranger to Science Fiction, having debut with Monsters (a film I own on Bluray) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (easily the best “new” Star Wars film).

Since Edwards was a visual effects guy, he shot the whole film and used visual effects sparingly, which probably kept the budget low.

The story is about how the artificial intelligence (AI) detonated a nuclear warhead over Los Angeles, California, which started a war of humanity vs the robots.

There is a new threat and so the humans brought in an ex-undercover human to navigate the AI’s base.

I won’t give away too much, but the robot’s weapon is not what you think… and their goals are not what you expected.

It’s a simple story, maybe it might have worked better as a television series, where it can explore more on what it is to be human. Are AI really the enemy … or are the humans the true villains.

Read more Television and Sci-Fi.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

KC Rep presents A Christmas Carol at UMKC-Spencer Theatre, Kansas City MO (thru Dec 24,2023)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL SHOWTIMES NOVEMBER 29 7:00pm 30 7:00pm DECEMBER 1 8:00pm 2 2:00pm 8:00pm 3 1:00pm 5:00pm (ASL Signed) 4 5 6 7:00pm 7 7:00pm 8 8:00pm 9 2:00pm 8:00pm 10 1:00pm 5:00pm 11 12 13 7:00pm 14 7:00pm 15 8:00pm 16 2:00pm 8:00pm 17 1:00pm 5:00pm 18 19 7:00pm 20 7:00pm 21 7:00pm 22 8:00pm 23 2:00pm 8:00pm 24 1:00pm 5:00pm TICKET LINK: https://kcrep.org/calendar/ 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....

Kansas City holiday traditions- Plaza Lights, the Nutcracker Ballet, and of course, KC Rep’s production of A Christmas Carol!

The acclaimed repertory theater group is not only celebrating its landmark 60^th season, but this annual Charles Dickens classic returns for its 42^nd straight year (pandemic not included!) and has rightfully become an annual tradition and part of the holiday season for families, theater fans, and anyone that adores the redemptive tale.

The 1843 story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, to rediscover the true meaning of the holidays, transforming him into a kinder, gentler man. Familiar supporting characters, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the Fezziwigs, and familiar holiday songs, all help bring the classic tale to life.

This version, adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott and directed by Jason Chanos is impeccably executed, briskly paced, and refreshing- running approximately 100 minutes with a fifteen-minute intermission.

Scenic Design by John Ezell is spot-on, aided by a large revolving stage (and even a small trap door) and Costume designer Jenny Green’s wardrobes range from appropriately shabby to ornate and extravagant, depending on the character and situation.

Music Director/Pianist Anthony Edwards is assisted by a harpist and violinist and sonically embellishes each scene with the right amount of musical pathos- enough to embellish the drama, but not overdone to overpower any scene.

In this version, a narrator (played by Nedra Dixon) anchors the story and introduces the audience to the characters and the plight of Scrooge (effortlessly played by the [23^rd time!] returning Gary Neal Johnson, who seems born for the role.)

John Rensenhouse is scary and effective as the ghost of Jacob Marley, well-lit and shambling while supporting a bevy of symbolic chains, to warn his former business partner. Following, Scrooge is visited in order by the notorious trio, the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Chioma Anyanwu), Present (Matt Rapport), and Future, aka Yet to Come (Tanner Rose).

Rapport is especially noteworthy, dressed in elegant greens and earth tones, towering over the others, and expertly going into the audience to hilariously spread holiday cheer to the crowd in his own unique way. In fact, the Rep’s ability to use all the aisles of the venue during most productions, make those that much more memorable and interactive.

Even the smallest details of the production are very well-suited and thought out, and the similarly solid ensemble cast, leave no doubt that the company has perfected its presentation of the tale. Its brevity and lightheartedness make a convincing argument that this version should be seen annually, to set the mood for the season and begin a tradition that so many locals have already embraced.

Note that some performances during the run are marked “Scrooge Saver”, allowing entry for a reduced price (reinforcing the company’s “Theater for all” mission) and the upcoming Sunday, December 3rd 5pm performance will include ASL interpretation from Juliana Ladd and Jasmine Velasco.

No “Humbug” in this production, KC Rep’s A Christmas Carol is an ideal holiday gift that keeps giving.

 (KC Rep production photos by Don Ipock were provided / Click on any image to enlarge and see in full)    

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Chioma Anyanwu as the Ghost of Christmas Past

Chioma Anyanwu, Gary Neal Johnson, and Nedra Dixon

Gary Neal Johnson as Scrooge (front), John Rensenhouse as Marley

Gary Neal Johnson as Scrooge

Matt Rapport and Gary Neal Johnson

Nedra Dixon as the Storyteller

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Matt Rapport as the Ghost of Christmas Present

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

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

Minneapolis: January 1 to January 5, 2024

01/01 The Cactus Blossoms at Turf Club Read More The Cactus Blossoms Ahead of their 2022 tour for their new album One Day For February 11, Minneapolis duo The Cactus Blossoms (brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum) will be playing a residency at the Turf Club, every Monday. …

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

01/01/2024 Monday

The Cactus Blossoms
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

Like an annual tradition, local group The Cactus Blossoms will be playing every Monday in the month of January at the Turf Club, in St Paul, in 2024.

Cactus Blossoms (12 Feb 2022)

We caught the band in Feb 2022 and said, “Immediately after the release of The Cactus Blossoms’ new album, One Day, the American duo appeared at three stores, performing at Mill City Sound (in Hopkins), Down In The Valley (in Golden Valley), and Electric Fetus (in Minneapolis), all on February 12th.”

Tour dates:

Nov 30 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
Nov 30 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
Jan 1 2024 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club
Jan 8 2024 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club
Jan 15 2024 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club
Jan 22 2024 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club
Jan 29 2024 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club

01/03 Dilly Dally Alley with Floodwater Angel, full catholic and The Confused at 7th St Entry Read More Dilly Dally Alley Dilly Dally Alley (not to be confused with Canada’s Dilly Dally, who we saw in April 2016) is having their CD release show for their debut album Make You Whole at the Turf Club, in St Paul, on May 17th. ...

01/03/2024 Wednesday

Dilly Dally Alley
with Floodwater Angel, full catholic
and The Confused
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Aueer femme-led, Minneapolis-based band Dilly Dally Alley will be doing a local headling show at the 7th St Entry on January 3, 2024.

Floodwater Angel (12 Mar 2023)

We saw Floodwater Angel in 12 Mar 2023 and wrote, “The local group started in 2020 with their album Oddities & Odysseys, which they described as a ‘practice’ album. Their first ‘proper’ album Glitter Cannons came out in 2021 and was influenced by 70s glam. Their latest, Dungeon Crawlers came out recently, and it’s their psych rock album. True enough, in their very brief 15-min set, they sounded like they were playing just one very long song in a cloud of fog machine.”

full catholic and The Confused also on the bill.

01/05 Dirty Audio x Pierce at the Loft

01/05/2024 Friday

Dirty Audio x Pierce
at the Loft (Skyway Theatre)
skywaytheatre.com

The special DJ / Dance Dirty Audio x Pierce, featuring Dirty Audio and Pierce, is coming up on January 5, 2024, at the Loft (inside the Skyway Theatre), in Minneapolis.

Pierce’s latest HYPNOTIC EP is out now.

Skyway Theatre writes: “Dirty Audio and Pierce are bringing the HEAT to The Loft in January to kick off 2024! We're absolutely buzzing to have these guys, you won't want to miss this one!”

Tour dates:

Nov 24 Anchorage, AK, US Koot's (Chilkoot Charlie's)
Jan 5 2024 Minneapolis, MN, US Skyway Theater
Jan 13 2024 Sacramento, CA, US The Rink Studios
Jan 19 2024 Tempe, AZ, US Darkstar
Jan 19 2024 Tempe, AZ, US Darkstar

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 ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! November 28-30, 2023, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More: The Japanese House British singer Amber Bain, billed as The Japanese House is touring the U.S.A. (heading to SXSW 2017), in support of her third EP Swim Against The Tide. She is getting great buzz for ....

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Recovering from a turkey and holiday shopping weekend, the concert calendar still looks a little slim, except on the last day of the month, when there is numerous to choose from. The first real snow hit the area as a taste of what’s to come, so take in a live show between the gift buying, and while the streets are cleared.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from November 28^th - 30^th .

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28

Tommy Emmanuel w Jerry Douglas Duo, Nov 28, Uptown, $35-$65

A concert and masterclass, all in one! The acclaimed Australian guitarist is out in support of his latest full-length, Accomplice Two released earlier this year. Released as a sequel to 2018’s, Accomplice One was a series of duets with musicians including Rodney Crowell, Mark Knopfler, Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Jerry Douglas, Jake Shimabukuro and more.

The new album features rock legends Michael McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, and Little Feat; bluegrass stars such as Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, and David Grisman; country icons such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo; and guitar heavyweights like Yasmin Williams, Larry Campbell, and Richard Smith. But even without any collaborators, Emmanuel is exceptional to watch play live.

Chet Atkins welcomed himinto guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an honor awarded only to four other humans ever, and they recorded an album together, The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World. The equally great Jerry (Alison Krauss and Union Station) Douglas, along with bassist Daniel Kimbro provide support.

Continuing- KCRep's A Christmas Carol, UMKC- Spencer Theatre (various dates through Dec. 24), $49-$109

A holiday classic! For 42 years, this beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community, with all the heart and spectacle you’ve come to love… start your family tradition and create memories that will last for many Christmases to come!

Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the Fezziwigs, and hear the joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit. Share the season with the people you love,

(note that the Sunday, December 3rd 5pm performance will include ASL interpretation from Juliana Ladd and Jasmine Velasco) The show is 1 hour and 40 minutes long with one 15-minute intermission.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30

Japanese House, Nov 30, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $27-$51

Buckinghamshire singer songwriter aka Amber Bain is out playing live in the US for the first time in four years in support of new album, In the End It Always Does (via The 1975’s label, Dirty Hit). The 29-stop live circuit wraps in Boston on December 10th.

Lead single “Sunshine Baby,” featured The 1975’s Matty Healy as well and count us as fans, seeing them live back in 2019 in Minneapolis.

Park ICM Presents a Concert for Piano Lovers, Nov 30, 1900 Building - Mission KS, $10-$30.

Featuring Students of Park ICM Artistic Director Cliburn Gold Medalist Stanislav Ioudenitch

“Every musician needs to have the practical training of performing,” said Park ICM Artistic Director Stanislav Ioudenitch. “That’s what we’re trained to do . . . to perform in public. These young artists in my piano studio are quite successful musicians already. They are award winning musicians, so something not to miss.” The repertoire will feature works by Schubert, Liszt, Stravinsky, Brahms, Prokofiev, and more.

This line-up of artists includes six of Park ICM’s piano studio, including Michael Davidman (American Pianists Awards Finalist 2021 and second price at the 2022 Concours de Genève International Piano Competition), Ilya Shmukler (2022 Cliburn finalist), Sergey Belyavsky (Silver Medalist of both the Ferenc Liszt and the Maria Canals international piano competitions), and newcomer Yangrui Cai (who recently received a first place finish in the Japan Open competition and, as a result, will appear in the ‘Classic Piano’ International Piano Competition in Dubai in 2024).

Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Nov 30, Encore at Uptown, $25

The First Nations BC hip-hop duo is continuing to tour behind last year's I'm Good, HBU? which is shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize, and supported PUP on a leg earlier this year.

"This has been a long time coming," Young D and Yung Trybez said in a press release about signing with Sony Canada. "We really took it far on our own, and we're so proud of what we've done! At this point we felt that we wanted to bring in a partner like Sony Music Canada to really level up with us. We're really excited to see what the future holds for us and to bring new people onto the team."

Exodus / Fit for an Autopsy, Nov 30, Granada- Lawrence, $28-$32.

A savage co-headlining tour with special guests: Darkest Hour, Undeath

The outing wraps up on December 10th in New Kensington, PA. In May, Exodus canceled their European tour as guitarist Gary Holt tended to his injured brother, Charles, who was struck by a taxi in Rome. The Bay Area thrash legends continue to go strong after 40-plus years as a band, having most recently dropped the Persona non grata LP in 2021 and have also remained extremely active on the touring circuit, having supported Anthrax and Black Label Society’s run earlier this year and Testament prior to that.

Jon Pardi w Randall King, Nov. 30, Cable Dahmer Arena. $39.75-$109.75

The ACM and CMA Award-winning Singer/Songwriter/Producer is out on his Mr. Saturday Night World Tour, produced by Live Nation. Named after his latest critically acclaimed album, Mr. Saturday Night, the tour started in Belfast followed by multiple dates across the UK plus stops in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Oslo, and Stockholm and is now back in North America. VIP” Pardi Time” Packages are available including premium tickets, a backstage tour, a group photo backstage, an invitation to the VIP Lounge, a limited-edition gift item, and more.

Pardi’s current single, “Your Heart Or Mine,” is Top 30 and climbing on country radio airplay charts. Pardi’s album Mr. Saturday Night proved Pardi has “blazed his own trail over the past decade” (Billboard). Previous album Heartache Medication followed his breakthrough Platinum-selling album, California Sunrise, which featured the multi-platinum, chart-topping hits “Dirt On My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and “Night Shift.”

Fortune Feimster (comedy), Nov 30, The Midland, $29.50-$165.00

The comedian, writer, and actress is out on her new Live Laugh Love! tour. Like her recently released hour-long Netflix special, Good Fortune, her live show captures the hearts of viewers and critics alike.

“There is nothing better than performing live and with every tour the shows just get more and more fun. I can’t wait to get back on the road and share new stories about my life and family,” shares Feimster. “I named the tour ‘Live Laugh Love!’ because of those infamous signs you see in a lot of mom’s homes…my mom being no exception. And when I got older, I realized I too had one of those signs and thought ‘uh oh, I’m becoming my mom.’ What that means will be revealed on the tour. Plus, who doesn’t want to live, laugh, and love?”

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

Unwell at Acadia Cafe (11-25-2023)

11/25 Unwell with Census at Acadia Cafe Tour Dates Nov 27 Denver, CO, US Herman's Hideaway Nov 29 Des Moines, IA, US Lefty's Live Music Nov 30 Cincinnati Read More Unwell Detroit-based pop-punkers Unwell is on tour in support of their new album Trial & Error. The tour will stop at the Acadia Café, in Minneapolis, on November 25. 2023. …

I’m not sure if it’s a truism, but I will say that when you see someone in a full-length panda outfit jumping up and down in a mosh pit, you are in for a good time.

Your Last Breath opened up the early show at the Acadia Cafe.

It was my first review at the venue and it has a rather unusual setup. The raised stage in the corner only allowed the drummer and speakers. The other musicians had to play on the main floor with little lighting and right in front of the audience. The only division was a giant pole in the middle of the room that may have been added after a U of M transit bus plowed into the corner cafe on the Ides of March 2022. Definitely not the most ideal situation when taking photos but pretty awesome to see your favorite band only a handshake away.

Your Last Breath is local and was a last-minute substitute. They brought a hard metal core to the festivities, letting the audience know that it was only their second show with their current lineup.

Up next was Census from Hot Springs, Arkansas with Ben Carey on vocals, Bo Sawyer on guitar, Jathan Neider on bass and Josh Coleman on drums. They were currently vexed by car troubles, missing their gig at the Mercury Bar in New York and barely making it to the next show with only twenty minutes to spare. Still, they showed little wear or weariness and brought a lively set of progressive rock with lyrics of alienation and being ghosted “Ruin My Life.” They are promoting their latest album Everything Falls Apart, which was released in September.

Unwell started off their set with lead singer, Matt Copley, screaming into the microphone: “This is a tiny space. Let’s have a f*cking great time!”

Copley was joined on the main floor by Drew Bender on bass, Chris Mandel and Joe Ragnone on guitars with Connor McLaughlin on stage by himself crushing the drums. Unwell is from Detroit and currently supporting their latest album Trial & Error, which was just released on November, 17th.

Like the previous acts Unwell played loud and fast with “Leaves” and “Homegrown” and only slowed down for the acoustic song, with the lyrics “I need you when I’m not okay,” which gathered much applause.

“Yeah,” shouted someone only feet away. “Banger!”

It was a nice song, but a short reprieve as they launched into a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” But unlike Chapman’s hopeful or Luke Combs nostalgic interpretations, Unwell leaned heavily into the “fast” portion of the title with anthem-like speed. And why not? After all, the band is from the Motor City.

Panda Your Last Breath

Census Census

Census

Census

Unwell

Panda Unwell

Unwell Unwell

Unwell at Acadia Café, Minneapolis (25 Nov 2023)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Alienware 34" Curved OLED Gaming Monitor

Alienware AW3423DW Details With the Alienware AW3423DW 34.18-inch Quantum Dot-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor, you can immerse yourself in the ultimate gaming experience. With its impressive 3440x1440 pixel resolution and a lightning-fast 175Hz refresh rate, every detail comes to life with stunning clarity. The 1800R curvature wraps around your field of view, pulling you deeper into the action. With a true 0.1ms gray-to-gray response time, motion blur is virtually eliminated, ensuring smooth and precise visuals. The 1Million:1 contrast ratio delivers rich blacks and vibrant colors, enhanced by the support for 1.07 billion colors. The Lunar Light design adds a touch of style to your gaming setup. With a brightness of 250 cd/m2 (typical) and a peak brightness of 1000 cd/m2, the monitor delivers vibrant visuals even in bright environments. Plus, with a maximum power consumption of 200 watts, it provides efficient performance for long gaming sessions. Get ready to take your gaming to new heights with the Alienware AW3423DW. Read More Alienware Waiting two weeks for this computer just felt too long, but it’s not unheard of, since I bought an Alienware computer that took nearly a month to ship to me (I’ll never do that again). …

Oh man! I survived Black Friday this year. Despite showing up a little early for MicroCenter’s Black Friday, there was a massive line outside the store (going past another store in the same area). They were letting in 20 people at a time, and my wait time was about 45 minutes to actually get inside the store.

Once inside, if you were buying a computer part, you had to stand in another line for a salesperson.

Since I knew what I wanted to buy, either an Alienware AW3423DW 34" 2K WQHD Curved OLED Gaming Monitor or a LG’s 48 inch OLED 4K Gaming Monitor, I headed to the computer display area. I found a salesperson right away (MicroCenter had probably had over 200% work force this Black Friday), and had him look up the Alienware monitor. I told him it was this or that 48 inch LG, but he agrees, at that size, it’s basically a television (and like I said earlier, I don’t know if it will even fit on my desk).

Now that I have the monitor and using it, I love it. This is one of the best image qualities that I’ve ever seen on a display, thanks to the QD-OLED’s perfect black and bright colors (per pixel) and literally no delay (.1ms response time). Not only does the images looks great, but motion is smooth and clear. There is no ghosting because of the non-existent delay in changing colors per pixel.

I do have some minor complaints about the monitor, however… and will break down the cons and the pros of the monitor:

Alienware 34" with HDR at 175hz with NVIDIA Ultimate

Nvidia Ultimate: First of all, the price is very high … even at a sale price! There is a cheaper version of this display, but they removed the NVIDIA Ultimate. I am fine with paying a little more for NVIDIA support because I have an NVIDIA 3060 card that will run the display at 175hz with HDR! Not every card can do this (some topped out at 100hz for HDR because they don’t have the ‘Ultimate’ option).

Resolution: My other complaint is the resolution is 3440 x 1440, which is not 4k. This is also related to my other complaint, which is the aspect ratio, which is 21:9 (UltraWide). Movies, YouTube, Xbox, Nintendo, PlayStation, and anything using a standard 16:9 will have two black bars on the side. The only saving grace is that since the black bars are true black, in a darkened room, you won’t notice the bars… but it still annoys me that I cannot take advantage of the full 34 inches. On the brighter side, since the monitor is so long, you have to think of it as having a dual 17-inch monitors setup.

No Built-in Speakers: No built-in speakers. This is common with computer monitors… but given the high price, you would think they could throw in a pair of speakers (even if they’re not good). Instead, you have to use the audio line-out port at the back of the monitor or headphone jack at the bottom of the monitor. For my PC, I’m using a USB speaker (plugged into the monitor), and for my Xbox, it uses an audio-out.

Anti-Glare: Anti-glare coating. While this is listed as “feature”, I am not a fan of it. I suppose in a bright room, the anti-glare makes sense… but I personally would prefer glossy over matted (I always find that matted colors look muted compared to glossy vibrant colors).

Burn-in: Also, obviously I haven’t experienced it, but there is a problem with burn-in common with OLED screens. How Dell is combating this problem is by shifting pixels every four hours or so. The screen also powers off when there is no movement on the screen for a certain time. Colors will auto-dim when there’s no movement, and other annoying things will only be noticeable once you use the screen for a period of time. All of this is done to keep the screen from burning in… which is good, but can be annoying.

Curve: Otherwise, this is an amazing premium display. Now some of the cool thing about this display: it’s a curve screen, giving an immerse view when your eyes look left and right. However, I wish it was curvier, more exaggerated … but Dell decided to only make it slightly curve (which may be more natural).

HDR: This screen also has HDR (high dynamic range) built in, which has better contrast… Unfortunately, not all games or movies are calibrated for HDR, but for the games that do support it, it looks great. I just have it on by default, and it hasn’t bothered me.

Design: The monitor is well-designed with great cable management. All the cables are tunneled through the metal foot stand, making for a nice, clean look. I recommend plugging in all the input right away, even if you’re not going to use those ports. The reason why is that it can be a hassle to put in cables because you have to remove the back cover and running the wire through the stand, etc.

USB Upstream: This Alienware monitor also comes with a USB 5 Gbps pass-through and hub. I never knew I needed this, but now that I have it on the monitor, I don’t think I can live without it now. How this work is you have one USB input cable that plugs in the back of the monitor. Once you plug it to your computer, you now have access to four additional USB on the monitor (2 at the bottom of the monitor and 2 hidden in the back). This is amazing. I have plugged in my keyboard, my mouse, my Xbox controller, and my headphones to the monitor. With one cable to my computer, I now have access to those four accessories! This frees up my computer’s three USB for other things.

Viewing Angle: You can adjust the monitor for height position, you can swivel, you can tilt, and you can slant the monitor. They’re limited to 20° and 4.3 inches, but it’s enough for that perfect viewing angle.

Cables Included: Also, I really appreciated that Alienware threw in all the cables that I will need: a high-speed HDMI cable, Display Port, Mini Display Port, and USB upstream cable. They could have saved some money and not included those cables, but I really appreciate using them since I trust that these are cables will take advantage of maximum throughput. For example, if you used an old 1.0 HDMI cable, you might not be able to use HDR or 1440p resolution, because of the limitation of the first-generation HDMI standards. Plus, Display Input or Display Input Mini are semi-rare, so I really like getting another cable for my collection.

So yeah, this is a great monitor… if you have a powerful PC to take advantage of all of its features. Remember, if your PC can only do 60 frames a second, that means the Alienware monitor will only display 60hz.

Anyway, for testing purposes, I’ve been playing The Last of Us Part I, which does support Ultrawide. It looks great, although you may not be able to see the HDR or various special effects on the screen shot… but what you do see is all the high details and how wide the game looks. You can see so much in the background. I will test out “dark” and scary games and see how much black we can (or can’t) see.

Yours,

Weekend Gamer

PS, I would have tested out more games on UltraWide (with HDR), but unfortunately, most of the big games I had uninstalled for space issues… so I’m re-installing some games just to try it out on the new display.

Last of Us Part I in Ultramax setting on Alienware display (3440 x 1440)

Read more Weekend Gamer and Technology.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (12/03/2023)

Here are some shows, this week, in the Minneapolis/St Paul area.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

11/28 The Maine with flor and Daisy Grenade at First Avenue Read More The Maine I've seen The Maine many times before. Last time I went to their show, I wrote about how maybe a concert is just an excuse for the feeling of nostalgia. I was back on the hunt …

11/28/2023 Tuesday

The Maine
with flor and Daisy Grenade
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Celebrated emo/pop punk artist The Maine is on tour in support of their highly anticipated self-titled ninth album. “The Sweet Sixteen Tour” will stop in at First Avenue in Minneapolis on November 28th, 2023.

The Maine (03 Sep 2015)

We previously saw The Maine in Sep 2015 and said, “I've seen The Maine many times before. Last time I went to their show, I wrote about how maybe a concert is just an excuse for the feeling of nostalgia. I was back on the hunt last night and got closer to finding that bliss of nostalgia. The show last night was a free show. How cool is that? A free freaking show! My bank account was definitely happy about that.”

flor and Daisy Grenade to open.

Tour dates:

Nov 10 San Diego, CA, US House of Blues
Nov 11 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US The Bellwether
Nov 12 Anaheim, CA, US House of Blues
Nov 13 San Francisco, CA, US August Hall
Nov 15 Sacramento, CA, US Ace of Spades
Nov 18 Portland, OR, US McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Nov 19 Seattle, WA, US The Showbox
Nov 21 Salt Lake City, UT, US The Complex
Nov 28 Minneapolis, MN, US First Avenue
Nov 29 Milwaukee, WI, US The Rave/Eagles Club
Nov 29 Milwaukee, MI, US The Rave
Nov 30 Chicago, IL, US House of Blues
Dec 2 Columbus, OH, US Newport Music Hall
Dec 3 Toronto, ON, Canada The Danforth Music Hall
Dec 5 New York (NYC), NY, US Irving Plaza
Dec 6 New York (NYC), NY, US Irving Plaza
Dec 7 Harrisburg, PA, US XL Live
Dec 8 Boston, MA, US Citizens House of Blues
Dec 9 Philadelphia, PA, US Franklin Music Hall
Dec 10 Silver Spring, MD, US The Fillmore
Dec 12 Nashville, TN, US Brooklyn Bowl
Dec 14 Tulsa, OK, US Cain's Ballroom
Dec 15 Houston, TX, US House of Blues
Dec 16 San Antonio, TX, US Vibes Event Center
Jan 19 2024 Phoenix, AZ, US The Van Buren
Jan 20 2024 Phoenix, AZ, US The Van Buren
Feb 28 2024 Portland, OR, US Moda Center
Mar 1 2024 Seattle, WA, US Climate Pledge Arena
Mar 3 2024 Sacramento, CA, US Golden 1 Center
Mar 4 2024 Anaheim, CA, US Honda Center
Mar 7 2024 Fort Worth, TX, US Dickies Arena
Mar 8 2024 Austin, TX, US Moody Center
Mar 11 2024 Oklahoma City, OK, US Paycom Center
Mar 13 2024 Birmingham, AL, US Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Mar 15 2024 Orlando, FL, US Amway Center
Mar 16 2024 Jacksonville, FL, US VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Mar 23 2024 Mexico City, Mexico Lunario del Auditorio Nacional
Apr 22 2024 Cologne, Germany Die Kantine
Apr 25 2024 Manchester, UK New Century
Apr 26 2024 London, UK O2 Forum Kentish Town

11/29 Angel Olsen with Nona Invie at First Avenue Read More Angel Olsen Alternative country / folk singer-songwriter Angel Olsen and her distinctive voice, played to a loyal and raucous capacity crowd at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS, satisfying her ...

11/29/2023 Wednesday

Angel Olsen
with Nona Invie
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Angel Olsen is back in town, this time headlining First Avenue in Minneapolis on November 29th.

Angel Olsen (27 Jan 2023)

We previously saw Olsen in Jan 2023 and said, “To say that the crowd was anticipating Angel Olsen’s ninety-five-minute headlining set, is a massive understatement; as in addition to the locals and students, many had driven in from Kansas City and much farther parts unknown, to catch the buzzing St. Louis-born / Asheville, NC resident, in support of latest full-length, Big Time (Jagjaguwar Records) released last June.”

Nona Invie to open.

Tour dates:

Tue. Oct. 17 - San Diego, CA @ Humphreys Concerts By The Bay +
Wed. Oct. 18 - Garden Grove, CA @ Garden Amphitheatre +
Thu. Oct. 19 - San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom +
Fri. Oct. 20 - San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom ^
Tue. Oct. 24 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall ^
Wed. Oct. 25 - Portland OR @ Revolution Hall #
Thu. Oct. 26 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre #
Fri. Oct. 27 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre ^
Sat. Oct. 28 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre @
Wed. Nov. 29 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue %
Thu. Nov. 30 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom ^
Fri. Dec. 1 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall ^
Sat. Dec. 2 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall >
Sun Dec. 3 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall !
Sun. Dec. 5 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall !
Wed. Dec. 6 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl !
Thu. Dec. 7 - Birmingham, AL @ Saturn ~
Fri. Dec. 8 - Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club ~
Sat. Dec 9 - Saxapahaw, NC @ Haw River Ballroom ~

* w/ Jason Isbell
$ w/ Maxim Ludwig
< w/ The Strokes
+ w/ King Tuff
^ w/ Kara Jackson
# w/ Allegra Krieger
@ w/Led To Sea
% w/ Nona Invie
> w/ Natural Information Society
! w/ Joanna Sternberg
~ w/ Sluice

12/01 Ella Vos at 7th St Entry Read More Ella Vos One of the most unique voice today, Ella Vos, is headlining the 7th Street Entry this Saturday in support of her debut album Words I Never Said. As a bonus, she’ll be bringing her friend, London-based …

12/01/2023 Friday

Ella Vos
with Blond in Car
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Breakout pop star Ella Vos (with means “she you”) will be heading out on a Winter tour, starting in Minneapolis on December 1st.

The California classically trained pianist, previously worked for BØRNS, before going solo in 2015. Her debut album came out in 2017, and her last release came out in 2020… so expect new songs on this upcoming tour.

The singer was last seen in town with Broods, in June 2022.

UPDATE: Blond in Car, the musical nom de guerre of Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Robin Schorr, has confirmed a U.S. tour with Ella Vos to celebrate the October album release Altavan.

Tour dates:

Dec 1 Minneapolis, MN, US 7th St Entry
Dec 2 Chicago, IL, US Beat Kitchen
Dec 4 Pittsburgh, PA, US Club Café
Dec 5 Washington, DC, US Songbyrd
Dec 6 Brooklyn, NY, US The Sultan Room
Dec 7 Philadelphia, PA, US MilkBoy Philly
Dec 9 Charlotte, NC, US The Evening Muse
Dec 11 Atlanta, GA, US The Masquerade

12/02 The Japanese House with quinine at Fine Line Read More The Japanese House British singer Amber Bain, billed as The Japanese House is touring the U.S.A. (heading to SXSW 2017), in support of her third EP Swim Against The Tide. She is getting great buzz for ....

12/02/2023 Saturday

The Japanese House
with quinine
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com.com

The Japanese House (aka Amber Bain) is currently on tour to promote her sophomore album In The End It Always Does (Dirty Hit).

The Japanese House (01 May 2019)

We’re big fans of The Japanese House, having seen them before their debut album, and also when their debut came out in May 2019: “Now that her debut album is out, as previously mentioned, Amber Bain suddenly had a lot more songs to play. She still basically played her entire debut album, but throwing in a couple of choice early EP B-sides, including “Sister” - but medley with “Everybody Hates Me”.”

quinine to open.

Tour dates:

November 1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
November 2 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
November 4 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
November 6 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
November 7 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
November 8 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
November 10 - Austin, TX @ Emo's
November 11 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
November 12 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
November 14 - Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf
November 16 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
November 17 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory
November 18 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
November 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
November 21 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
November 23 - Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre
November 24 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
November 25 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
November 27 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Salt Lake City Union
November 28 - Denver, CO @Summit Music Hall
November 30 - Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall
December 1 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's
December 2 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fineline
December 3 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
December 5 - Detroit, MI @ El Club
December 6 - Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
December 8 - Montréal, QC @ Studio TD
December 9 - South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
December 10 - Boston, MA @ Royale

12/02 Pert Near Sandstone with Them Coulee Boys and Humbird at First Avenue Read More Pert Near Sandstone This was Pert Near’s Ship of Fools Release Party and a party is exactly what it was. This band brought the energy, the fun, and the talent to First Avenue on Friday night… Them Coulee Boys Them Coulee Boys were charged to warm up the crowd filtering into the venue . They are from Eau Claire, WI, Coulee being the name French Trappers called the region when they were trapping in Wisconsin. … Humbird Humbird to open. Tour dates: Oct. 21 - Chattanooga, TN - Barrel House Ballroom Oct. 22 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn Oct. 25 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West …

12/02/2023 Saturday

Pert Near Sandstone
with Them Coulee Boys and Humbird
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Local popular Americana band Pert Near Sandstone is touring in support of their 8th studio album Waiting Days.

Pert Near Sandstone (29 Mar 2013)

We saw the band, a long time ago in Mar 2013 and said, “The show began with a viewing of the music video for the first single Ship of Fools from their upcoming album projected on the big screen. It continued with dancin’, hooting, hollering and foot stompin’! It’s apparent that this band loves playing together and the audience definitely enjoys hearing it because the energy in the main room was electric. There is so much variation in their sound, with a clogger, fiddles, a banjo, a washboard, a standup base, and acoustic guitars; it’s easy to appreciate their talent and to dance along to this bluegrass band’s jams. So next time you have a chance to attend one of their parties, pack your dancing shoes, and be prepared to walk away buzzing from the energy.”

Them Coulee Boys (21 Oct 2023)

Them Coulee Boys to open. We just saw the group in Oct 2023 and noted, “Them Coulee Boys have been playing as a band for ten years now and based on the crowd's reaction, they have built up quite a following. “This is fun,” said Janke after an effusive round of applause from the crowd. “Sign of the Times” was a crowd favorite for it had the makeup of an Irish drinking song with the audience joining in on the refrain.”

Humbird (01 Nov 2023)

UPDATE: Also added to the bill is Humbird, who just played with Mipso on November 1st: “Humbird opened the evening with Siri Undlin on lead vocal and guitar and Pat Keen on upright bass. Undlin said it was a little weird to be playing at the Fine Line for she is currently on the road, but also back in her hometown, playing in front of a welcoming crowd of friends and family. She and Keen in fact had been in town for two days and did the only logical thing a musician would do with a day off - laundry.”

Pert Near Sandstone on Tour

11/3 Fri - LaCrosse, WI - Mid West Music Fest
11/8 Wed - Lincoln, NE - Zoo Bar*
11/9 Thu - Ft Collins, CO - 830 North*
11/10 Fri - Boulder, CO - Velvet Elk Lounge*
11/11 Sat - Denver, CO - Ophelia's*
11/24 Fri - Chicago, IL - Park West*
11/30 Thu - Alluvial Brewing - Ames, IA^
12/1 Fri - Mankato, MN - Mankato Brewery^
12/2 Sat - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue^

* w / Henhouse Prowlers
^ w / Them Coulee Boys

Looking ahead to 2024
2/9 - White Pine, MI - 34th Annual Midwest Telefest
6/27-29 - Eau Claire, WI - 10th Blue Ox Music Festival

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 ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Noname at Fine Line, Minneapolis (22 Nov 2023)

11/22 Noname at Fine Line Tour Dates Nov 24 Chicago, IL, US The Vic Theatre Nov 25 Detroit, MI, US Magic Stick Nov 27 Brooklyn, NY, US Brooklyn Steel Nov 28 Boston, MA, US Paradise Rock Club Nov 29 Toronto, ON, Canada Phoenix Concert Theatre Jan 23 2024 Borgerhout, Belgium DE ROMA Jan 25 2024 Cologne, Germany Die Kantine Jan 27 2024 Berlin, Germany Festsaal Kreuzberg Jan 29 2024 Vienna, Austria Werkstätten- & Kulturhaus Jan 31 2024 Milan, Italy Magazzini Generali Feb 2 2024 Paris, France Le Trabendo Feb 4 2024 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy Feb 6 2024 London, UK Eventim Apollo Feb 8 2024 Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradiso Jan 29 2025 Vienna, Austria Werkstätten- & Kulturhaus Read More Noname Chicago’s Noname is on her first tour in four years, in support of the highly anticipated third album, Sundial. The tour will stop by First Avenue on October 15th. .....

Chicago rapper Noname finally made it to the Fine Line on November 22, 2023. The rapper was originally listed to appear in October 15, but it was slightly delayed a month later.

This is Noname’s first tour in five years, having blown up in 2018 with the debut LP Room 25. The record was named one of the top albums of the 2010.

Opening the show was Connecticut’s Stout (aka Thee Stout). Her first album Awakened landed at #11 on the Billboard gospel charts, and since then Stout has been exploring gospel, jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and even alternative gunge music, such as her cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (which she played on her live set).

She’s got powerful vocals and even asked the sound mixer to lower her volume to let us enjoy the show. Her goal is to heal the world, so she’s preaching stomping on negativity, stomping on self-hate, on self-doubt.

Highlight of her set was going into the crowd and started a mosh pit for an energetic fun show.

It’s been quite a long tour for Noname, in support of the highly anticipated new album, Sundial. After moving around a few dates for logistic reasons and scheduling conflicts, she’s finally in town… but jokingly asked, “where am I right now? Minneapolis?” and got the audience hyped with the mentioning of their hometown.

She’s joined on stage with a backup band and two backup singers, Camillia and Claudia, which she gave a standing ovation later in the set.

Her controversial song “Namesake”, namedropped Jay-Z and the Roc Nation partnership with the National Football League. The rapper is no stranger to these topics in her other songs (often tackling political and social issues, gun violence, capitalism, police state, etc.)

For “Gospel?”, a song featuring $ilkMoney, billy woods, and STOUT, so, of course, Stout came on stage to sing on the song.

Noname’s Sundial is out now.

Stout

Stout

Stout Noname

Noname

Noname at Fine Line, Minneapolis (22 Nov 2023)

juan ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: December 29 to December 31

12/29 Soul Asylum with Tommy Stinson at First Avenue Read More Soul Asylum Yeah we knew the tiny 7th Street Entry could not contain all the fans for Soul Asylum, or as we kid that it's just the Dave Pirner band.... Both dates at 7th Street Entry …

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

12/29/2023 Friday

Soul Asylum
with Tommy Stinson
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Local favorite Soul Asylum is doing their holiday show at First Avenue on December 29, 2023.

Soul Asylum (05 Jun 2015)

We caught the band in Jun 2015 and said, “The hits came fast and hard from Soul Asylum as tracks like “Black Gold” and “Just Like Anyone” got everyone moving around and singing along - it’s truly mind-blowing just how jam-packed with hit songs Soul Asylum’s catalogue is. The current line-up, which consists of Pirner, bassist Winston Roye, guitarist Justin Sharbono and Michael Bland on drums, have obvious chemistry which makes for some entertaining moments. Pirner enjoys hamming it up for the crowd, skidding across the stage on his knees and joking around with Bland: “Michael Bland likes it when my ass is hanging out of my pants.””

Tommy Stinson to open.

12/30 Daphne Jane and Bloodline with Chutes and Lana Leone at 7th St Entry Read More 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 ...

12/30/2023 Saturday

Daphne Jane and Bloodline
with Chutes and Lana Leone
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Local groups Daphne Jane and Bloodline will be co-headlining the 7th Street Entry this December 30, 2023.

Daphne Jane (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.

Most of her 30-min set were taken from her Dreamland EP with songs from her debut album, I Wish I Was in the Clouds, including a couple of pink songs: “Pinky Promises” and “Pinkest Eclipses” (which ended the set), “Green”, the title track “Dreamland”, and “Gemini.”

Highlight was a cover of Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me”, which Jane declares is the “greatest song ever.””

Chutes and Lana Leone to open.

12/30 Caroline Smith at First Avenue Read More Your Smith Caroline Smith has decided to be now billed as Your Smith. I personally like the name change, because I have said this before, I think the name Caroline Smith is just too common and doesn't jump out at you. ...

12/30/2023 Saturday

Caroline Smith
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Singer Caroline Smith (or her stagename Your Smith) is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of record Half About Being A Woman. The show will feature “super special guests.”

Caroline Smith (27 Sep 2013)

We saw Caroline Smith, 10 years ago, in Sep 2013 and wrote, “As for Caroline Smith, it's fun to watch her grow as an artist. We talked about her in 2008, which Brody mentioned that she opened up for B.B. King when she was only 16 years old. So we watched her progression from blues to folk with her band Good Night Sleeps. Then, earlier in June 2013 we had a preview of her R&B and soul music from Half About Being A Woman.

As expected, the majority of her set is from the new record, Half About Being A Woman, including the intro song, "Magazine", "All That I Know Is (I'm Your Baby)" and the title track. The new songs sounded great, particularly with the two dedicated backup singers who added a retro soul sound.

I think if you like old 60s soul with some rhythm and blues, you're going to find a lot to love on Half About Being A Woman (out October 8th on United Interests). Caroline Smith will be taking the full band and backup singers on the road this October, so check them out if they are coming to your town. ”

12/31 Kiss Me - A '90s New Year's Eve with You Oughta Know at 7th St Entry Read More You Oughta Know We soon found out that Johnson is also the keyboardist in local group You Oughta Know (with singer Sarah Adams, guitarist Marc Zazzaro, bassist Tony Schreiner, and drummer Joe Silberschmidt). …

12/31/2023 Sunday

Kiss Me - A '90s New Year's Eve
with You Oughta Know
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Cover lover band You Oughta Know (named after the Alanis Morissette song) will be featured at this year-end’s Kiss Me - A '90s New Year's Eve.

You Oughta Know (05 May 2017)

We saw the group accidentally at Wizard World Minneapolis in May 2017 and wrote, “As you can see from their setlist, they only cover 90s songs, with the exception of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, but that’s forgivable because they probably discover the song from 1992’s Wayne’s World (based on Silberschmidt as Garth, of course).

A cover lover band is good for these kind of events, because most of the audience will know and likely sing along to some of their favorite 90s tunes.

After You Oughta Know finished their set, there were DJ Gabe and 7Days A Capella group, ending with a highly entertaining swing dance group Uptown Swing and Hudson, Master Magician (from America’s Got Talent).”

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 ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Black Friday 2023

Read More Black Friday With Black Friday coming up this Friday (November 25), we are already starting to see some really good deals on Bluray/UHD discs. Some of my favorite A24 films are on sale, including X, Everything Everywhere All At Once …

The annual shopping holiday, Black Friday, is this week, November 24, 2023. However, if you have been paying attention, Black Friday sales actually started as early as November 1st.

The best deal I’ve seen for the Xbox Series X is this Target with a $75 Gift Card and $110 off for the Diablo IV bundle. That’s about $200 off, making the cost roughly $360 for the whole thing. If you already own an X, like I do, I’ll have to pass on this… but man, it’s a good deal since I paid full price of $500 with no free games.

LG 48” 4k WebOS TV for $570 (Black Friday 2022)

I’m also in the market for an OLED screen. Like last year, the cheapest OLED Television is from Best Buy, who is selling their LG 48” 4k WebOS TV for $550, twenty dollars cheaper than last year’s Black Friday Deals. I do want the television… but last year I spent my entire time looking at my computer’s monitor, so I’m more interested in an OLED Monitor.

Unfortunately, despite sales, the cheapest OLED monitors are still around $800 to $1,200 (and that’s the sale prices). The main reason for wanting OLED on a monitor is that the response time on these monitors is less than .3 millisecond, have higher refresh rates, and they have NVIDIA or AMD video card support (meaning fast response and no screen tearing).

Alienware AW3423DW 34" 2K WQHD Curved OLED Gaming Monitor (Dell)

I think I have my heart set on the Alienware AW3423DW 34" 2K WQHD Curved OLED Gaming Monitor. It is an ultrawide curved 2K screen (3440 x 1440), and has support for NVIDIA G-Synch at 175Hz with less than 0.1 ms response time. The best part is that it’s QD-OLED, which stands for quantum dot organic light-emitting diode. It’s basically a better version of OLED, as the Quatum Dots widens the color palette even further: brighter lights, better saturations.

There are some concerns with burn-in that is common with OLED displays… but I’m not that worried about this since you need to have the same images in the same spot for long hours. The other concern is that it’s an ultrawide. I’ve been using a standard 4k monitor and have gotten used to the large resolution. Downgrading to 2k might be tough, but with that said, with the curve display, with HDR-support, and gaming might be improved (running at a lower resolution), it might be a good tradeoff.

In the past, I have complained that some games do not support UltraWide, so in those cases, the games have large black borders on the left and right of the screen. It’s very annoying, but I can’t fault the monitor for not being a 16:9… but I blame the game developers for not taking into account people’s displays (or more like they don’t care).

Most movies are shot on Widescreen (16:9), so you’ll get black bars on the sides. However, since I do enjoy Shaw Brothers films, they use “Shaw Scope”, which is basically UltraWide… so you can maximize Shaw Brothers films on these monitors.

Anyway, the Alienware monitor is normally $1,299.99, but it’s currently on sale for $900 at MicroCenter… which I may actually have to pick up this Black Friday. Also, I did notice that there were two returns, so you can get an open box for $650. I’m not sure if there are missing items, but if I can save even more, I will ask about it.

Update: It appears that MicroCenter has dropped the Alienware monitor to $800, making it a little more desirable than going with an open-box. Also worth checking out is the LG’s 48 inch OLED 4K Gaming Monitor is $700. That’s $800 off and seems like such a good deal. I think my problem is that 48 inches might be a little too large for a computer desk. I don’t know how close I want to sit next to the monitor... but at that size, it would make for a really good television. Of course, you have to factor in buying a speaker system to pair with the monitor. Still, that is something doable, since I do have audio solutions (or can look into buying a good soundbar).

I will be at MicroCenter this Black Friday to make my OLED monitor purchase. At the moment, I am leaning heavily towards the Alienware, but if I walk out with the LG Monitor, no one can blame me for going with a larger display for a cheaper price...

Yours,

Weekend Gamer

Read more Weekend Gamer and Technology.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com