W♥M

03/24/2025

03/23/2025

Transmission 24

Transmission 24 at First Avenue (22 Mar 2025)

Partial Playlist

I Touch Myself - The Divinyls

Kiss Them For Me - Souixsie and the Banshees

Too Shy - Kajagoogoo

West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys

Pure - Lightning Seeds

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears

Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics

It’s My Life - Talk Talk

Love My Way - The Psychedelic Furs

Psycho Killer - Talking Heads

Roxanne - The Police

One way or Another - Blondie

Don’t Change - INXS

Temptation - New Order

Just Can’t Get Enough - Depeche Mode

Our Lips Are Sealed - The Go-Go’s

Modern Love - David Bowie

Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes

It’s the End of the World - R.E.M.

Been Caught Stealing - Jane’s Addiction

Laid - James

Mandinka - Sinead O’Connor

Just What I Needed - The Cars

Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol

Lust for Life - Iggy Pop

Are You Gonna Be My Girl? - Jet

Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand

Pressure - Queen & David Bowie

Read More

Transmission

The 23rd Anniversary Transmission, with DJ Jake Rudh, is this March 29, 2024, at First Avenue, in Minneapolis. This is a great social event that you can spend on your Friday night with your friends …

In addition to live music, First Avenue hosts a number of DJ dance parties. King among these is the annual Transmission show hosted by DJ Jake Rudh. Rudh is well known for his weekly show of the same name on The Current radio station, as well as throughout the Twin Cities night club scene.

The set up is a familiar one for those who have seen Rudh before. Doors open as he gets started, sliding between songs with the videos on the large screen, while Rudh controls everything from the booth at the back of the second floor. With a focus on New Wave, British Invasion, and similar genres, Rudh weaves a continuous mix of danceable music. An early appearance of The Divinyls’ I Touch Myself had a round of applause from the early revelers.

Rudh has honed this to such a fine point that, superficially, it looks effortless, which to me is a sign of the skill and work that went into the mix. During a great mix of British bands, punctuated by Pet Shop Boys’ classic West End Girls, Rudh briefly got on the microphone to welcome the crowd and his appreciation of those who have supported Transmission before launching back into the music. The Lightning Seeds’ Pure had many in the crowd singing along, as the dance floor really started to get crowded.

Though the crowd might have skewed a little older, it was one united by the wish to let loose on the dance floor. There were a number of people outfitted for the evening, ranging from classic club dance wear to more unique looks (someone dressed up in a Ms. America sash and tiara). The Eurythmics’ Here Comes the Rain Again got a new influx of dancers. The overriding vibe was one of joy, just having this moment of communal music and dance. It was fun to see people having so much fun. Roxanne by The Police continued to amp the crowd, and when that was directly followed by Blondie’s One Way or Another was a masterful way to ramp up the adrenaline.

It was also interesting to watch Rudh time a few exits from the booth to catch up with fans and friends. Although he was clearly pleased to be talking with people, you could see him mentally timing how much time he had before the next transition and needing to get back to the music. Overall, Rudh kept the hits rolling and it was an extremely appreciative audience. Just as you thought there couldn’t be another banger to keep the dancers going, Rudh would transition to the next one that would keep people out the for “just this last one”. For many people, the evening may have been summed up by a latter entry of The Cars’ Just What I Needed. Rudh led yet another evening of enjoyment and forgetting the outside world for a little bit.

Transmission 24 at First Avenue (22 Mar 2025)

thaddeus ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 10:00 AM in DJ Jake Rudh, Electric Fetus, First Avenue, Minneapolis, Thaddeus, The Current, Transmission | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weekend Gamer: Play Anywhere

Xbox Play Anywhere

Details

Buy once, play anywhere
Games that support Xbox Play Anywhere play on PC and Xbox console at no additional cost.

Progress goes with you
Pick up where you left off on PC, Xbox console, or supported handhelds - bringing all your saves, game add-ons, and achievements with you. Xbox Play Anywhere badge

1,000 games and growing
Games that support Xbox Play Anywhere have a badge in the Store on xbox.com, console, and PC.

Read More

Xbox

The much-rumored Xbox Handheld, codename Keenan, is coming to us closer than you think (I first mentioned this in Nov 2024)! The details are exclusively from a report …

I’ve been a big fan of Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) program for a few years now, and was happy to hear from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in California, that Xbox announced over 1,000 titles (they’re also counting the future titles South of Midnight and Doom: The Dark Ages) are now Xbox Play Anywhere.

As you can see from the marketing, “Buy once, play across PC, Xbox consoles, and supported gaming handhelds.” That ‘handheld’ wording is probably referencing the ROG Ally or the future Xbox Handheld.

The announcement via xbox.com:

As we touched on earlier this week, there are now over 1,000 developers utilizing Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) for their games, bringing their amazing experiences to players across a variety of devices they own.

If you’ve never heard of XPA before, let us give you a refresher: when you buy a digital game that supports XPA through the Xbox Store or the Windows Store, it’s available to play on your Xbox console, Windows 10/11 PC, and supported handheld gaming devices at no additional cost. Even better, your progression comes with you across all platforms.

Yes, lately the only titles I will buy are the ones with Play Anywhere, because it was basically a two-for-one-deal for me. I buy the game once on the PC and it will automatically show up on my Xbox. However, there are some problems with XPA, and I’ll address them below.

First of all, not all games are XPA compatible, as you can see from that 1,000 number (it was much, much lower prior to this announcement). This is due to the game developers needing to opt-in to the XBA terms of service. Also, I suppose some developers wants you to re-buy their game on the Xbox.

The other problem is I bought some games on the Xbox consoles, and they do not show up on my PC Xbox App. In order to take advantage of Play Anywhere, you must purchase the game on the PC using the Windows Store. I don’t know why it’s a one-way street, so now I will only buy Xbox games using the Windows store.

This brings me to the last problem with Xbox Play Anywhere – they rarely have any good or decent sales on the PC store. You see regular weekly sales on the Xbox consoles (and they’re often much cheaper) than the PC store. The last time I bought something on the Xbox App was during Black Friday, and the discount weren’t even that great.

Right now, I don’t have a large Xbox library, but as more titles are available as XPA, going forward, I would prefer to buy those titles on Xbox, vs Steam… although I hate to say it, but currently, but lately, my go-to launcher is the Epic Games app (I currently have 515 titles). I’m currently playing Vampire Survivors, thanks to getting the game for free last year.

Every week I am adding a free title on Epic Games. This week the free game is Jurassic World Evolution 2, which originally came out in 2021 for full price. While I’m not really that interested in playing a dinosaur game… I still add the game to my library. Who knows, maybe in a few months or years, I will check it out when I’m bored.

Yours,

Weekend Gamer
[email protected]

03/22/2025

flipturn at Palace Theatre (22 Mar 2025)

Tour Dates

March 23 - Val Air - Des Moines, IA

March 26 - Egyptian Room - Indianapolis, IN

March 27 - KEMBA live! - Columbus, OH

March 28 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Detroit, MI

March 29 - Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON

March 30 - Beanfield Theatre - Montreal, QB

April 2 - Higher Ground - Burlington, VT

April 4 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY

April 5 - Roadrunner - Boston, MA

April 9 - MEGACORP - Newport, KY

April 10 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA

April 11 - Franklin Music Hall - Philadelphia, PA

April 12 - The Anthem - Washington, D.C.

April 16 - Avondale Brewing - Birmingham, AL

April 18 - HOB Orlando - Orlando, FL

April 27 - High Water Festival - North Charleston, SC

Read More

Flipturn

Florida five-piece indie band Flipturn is named after a swimming maneuver, has a new single, “Playground” out this week, and promises their live show to be a complete and total release of inhibitions ....

Arcy Drive

New York’s Arcy Drive is headlining the 7th Street Entry this August 7th. The four friends (Nick, Pat, Brooke, Austin) love playing music, which they coined as “Attic-Rock.” ....

What a triumphant return for Florida’s flipturn at the Palace Theatre, in St Paul, on busy Saturday night (March 22, 2025).

There was a long line to enter the Palace, and the venue was packed full of teenagers seeing their favorite band. Talking to some fans, they discovered the band through word of mouth, TikTok, and social media. It seems like their fanbase steadily grow with each appearance. Speaking of which, this was the band’s sixth time in the area, with their most recent appearance with The Revivalists at the Palace on August 7, 2024.

Flipturn at 7th Street Entry (28 Oct 2022)

We did catch the band early in their career, when they played the much smaller venue, the 7th Street Entry, in Oct 2022: “The band features Dillon Basse on lead vocals, Tristan Duncan on lead guitar, Madeline Jarman on bass, Taylor Allen on synth, and Adrian Walker on drums. Flipturn’s been enjoying selling out multiple shows on their current headlining tour. The reasons that singer recounted was, “People just discovered us on their own. They'd hear about our shows, they'd check us out, and they'd keep coming back. Our live show is the reason we've been able to grow.””

Even back then, they were already outgrowing those smaller venues (having sold out much of their tour). Their next upgrade venue was the First Avenue’s mainroom, which they headlined last year (March 24, 2024), as part of their “Something More Tour” with support from Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners.

flipturn’s current set heavily leaned on their latest album, Burnout Days (Dualtone Records), as they launched into the intro song “Juno” (which also starts off their new record), followed by “Burnout Days” and “Inner Wave.”

You need to wait a bit for some older songs, like “Sad Disco” and their set finale “Space Cowboy” from their 2022 debut album Shadowglow.

Arcy Drive at 7th Street Entry (07 Aug 2023)

Opening the show was Arcy Drive. We previously saw this New York band at the 7th Street Entry in August 2023 and wrote, “Arcy Drive then sauntered on stage to Hot Chocolate's “You Sexy Thing.” Like the Lapdogs, they are a group of childhood friends. They are from Northport, NY, composed of Patrick Helrigel on bass, Brook Tuozzo on drums, Austin Jones on guitar and Nick Mateyunas on lead vocals and guitar. Although new to the scene with a proper debut album still to be released, they had a successful tour in the spring due to heavy social media following on Tiktok. They just played Lollapalooza in Chicago and Minneapolis was the beginning of their Stattic Tour Part II.”

We have the full band, Nick (singer and guitar player), Austin (guitar player), Pat (bass player), and Brooke (drummer), ready to rock out, and not to mention starting right on time… although due to some issues, and playing extended outros… it seems like the band overplayed their allotted set time with the soundboard person warning them about the time after the 30-min mark.

After playing “Seaside”, Nick announced they were going to play “Louie”, “The new one. If you know it, sing it with me.”

Highlight of the show was probably around “Desert Song”, which Nick broke a guitar string due to playing and rocking too hard. Normally, there is a guitar technician with an alternative guitar to swap out, but apparently, they didn’t have a guitar available. So Nick just winged it and the band played the rest of the song without that extra guitar. If you’re not familiar with the song, it sounded just fine.

The Palace Theatre Marquee

Arcy Drive	Arcy Drive
Arcy Drive	Arcy Drive

flipturn

flipturn at Palace Theatre (22 Mar 2025)

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 11:33 PM in Arcy Drive, Flipturn, Palace Theatre, St Paul, The Revivalists, TikTok | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bella White at Fine Line (21 March 2025)

Bella White at Fine Line (21 Mar 2025)

Tour Dates

March 22 - Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club

March 23 - Evanston, IL - SPACE

March 25 - Urbana, IL - Rose Bowl Tavern

March 26 - Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe

March 28 - Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern

March 29 - Montreal, QC – Petit Campus

March 30 - Ottawa, ON – Club Saw

April 1 - South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

April 3 - Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square

April 4 - Allston, ME – Brighton Music Hall

April 5 - New York, NY – Mercury Lounge

April 6 - Washington, DC – Pearl St Warehouse

April 8 - Raleigh, NC - Kings

April 9 - Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

April 11 - Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

May 17 - London, UK - Highways Festival

Vuart

Bella White in Red (Vuart)

Read More

Bella White

Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Bella White will stop by the 7th Street Entry on Feb 10. She had recently finished her co-headlining tour with Taylor Ashton, and these new 2023 seems like a …

Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Bella White kicked off her Spring 2025 Red Rhododendron at the Fine Line, in Minneapolis, on Friday, March 21.

Opening the show was a reluctant Mr. Sam (of Mr. Sam & the People People). Mr Sam (Sam Gelband) is Bella White’s drummer, but with the tour on the way and they didn’t have a support act, Sam agreed to open the tour.

As a result of last-minute decision, he confessed that he wasn’t prepared and didn’t have any merchandise. He did have seven albums he happened to have, so if anyone was interested, he did have those records.

With a 30-40 min set, he needed to fill out a lot of time, so he did give good explanations of some these new songs he was experimenting. He said they were good practice for him, because he needs to “learn these songs”.

Turns out, he used to be an improv comic (he mentioned one of his improv college friend was in the audience), so naturally he did have some hot commentaries and jokes. For example, he said that the New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves game was happening that Friday night. He doesn’t keep up with sports, but I would reckon the Timberwolves would dominate the game… but admitted that “wolves can’t fly”.

After a little story about how he was in a wedding cover band and they had to learn to play The B-52’s “Love Shack.” What a missed opportunity, he could have launched into that song, but instead played some songs that started with “Hard to Believe”.

He had songs about his father (sample lyrics “tearing down old buildings”) and his girlfriend (“Now That I Know You”).

After “You Are Kind”, he dedicated the song to Devin Champlin, of The Sons Of Rainier, a band that Sam is also in.

After a brief stage setup, Nashville, by the way of Calgary, Bella White and Sam came on stage to close out the show. White first came to our attention in 2020 when she released her debut album Just Like Leaving. Since then, she released Among Other Things, and her new EP Five For Silver (a cover lover EP).

As I have previously mentioned, usually the first and the last night of the tour are the most interesting. Rarely are the first night of the tour goes as planned. Usually there is something wrong. Like equipment not working (which are sometime caught during soundcheck), or bands forgetting how to play or messes up their own songs… but in Bella’s case – she was missing the bassist Gina Leslie.

Gina couldn’t make it out last night, but she said she will be available on a few dates (as support band) for Milwaukee (03/22) and Urbana (03/25), and a few other dates, so the rest of the tour will have Mr Sam and Maddy Kirgo to open on the East Coast.

As a result of no bass, Bella White decided it was going to be somewhat of “an indie mellow show.” The audience (what a good turnout) was very attentive and didn’t seem to mind a quiet set.

Bella White at 7th St Entry (10 Feb 2023)

This was not Bella’s first rodeo, she’s been on several tour, including a stop in Minneapolis in 2023, but she was nervous for this 2025 tour, because she had brought a puppy (named Indy) on tour with them. She’s now distracted with the thought of her dog downstairs as she’s singing songs like “Flowers on my Bedside” and “Trouble.”

Songs on her set were from both her albums, but she was working on some brand-new and previously unreleased songs. Some had working titles, but it seems like she has enough songs to release a third album. Perhaps it’ll be released this or next year.

In the meantime, Bella White’s latest covers EP Five For Silver is out now.

Mr Sam

Bella White

Bella White at Fine Line (21 March 2025)

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 12:54 AM in Bella White, Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis, Vuart | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minneapolis: This Week (03/30/2025)

What’s happening this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Hovvdy at Turf Club (24 Mar 2025)

Read More

Hovvdy

Lomelda and Hovvdy are on a co-headlining tour for their Covers split EP (Double Double Whammy Records). Both bands are longtime friends from Texas. Nadine to open. …

24 Mar 2025 Monday

Hovvdy
with Video Age
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

Hovvdy is headlining the Turf Club on March 24, 2025, in support of their new EP Live At Julie’s (Arts & Crafts Records), a new alternate reimaginings of songs from their acclaimed self-titled double album, Hovvdy.

Video Age to open.

Tour dates:

Mar 05, 2025 - Nashville, TN - The Basement East *

Mar 06, 2025 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn *

Mar 07, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Aisle 5 *

Mar 08, 2025 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle Back Room *

Mar 09, 2025 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Music Hall *

Mar 11, 2025 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg *

Mar 12, 2025 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg *

Mar 13, 2025 - Washington, DC - The Atlantis *

Mar 14, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA - Ukie Club *

Mar 15, 2025 - Boston, MA - Middle East Downstairs *

Mar 17, 2025 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB *

Mar 18, 2025 - Toronto, ON - The Great Hall *

Mar 19, 2025 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Blind Pig *

Mar 20, 2025 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Bar *

Mar 21, 2025 - Indianapolis, IN - Turntable *

Mar 22, 2025 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall *

Mar 24, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club *

Mar 26, 2025 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater +

Mar 29, 2025 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile +

Mar 30, 2025 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom +

Apr 01, 2025 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent +

Apr 02, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre +

Apr 03, 2025 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy + Harriet's +

Apr 04, 2025 - San Diego, CA - The Casbah +

Apr 05, 2025 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress +

Apr 08, 2025 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada +

Apr 09, 2025 - Austin, TX - Mohawk (outside) +

Apr 11, 2025 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia *

May 13, 2025 - St. Louis, MO - Duck Room ^

May 14, 2025 - Kansas City, MO - recordBar ^

May 17, 2025 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad ^

May 20, 2025 - Oklahoma City, OK - Resonant Head ^

May 21, 2025 - Tulsa, OK - Mercury Lounge ^

May 22, 2025 - Memphis, TN - 1884 Lounge ^

* with Video Age
+ with runo plum
^ with Free Range

Bob James and Dave Koz at Parkway Theater (25 Mar 2025)

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Dave Koz

Dave Koz, July 15, Kauffman Center LA sax player Koz and his friends Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot and Mindi Abair turned to producer Paul Brown to help them realize the …

25 Mar 2025 Tuesday

Bob James and Dave Koz
at Parkway Theater
theparkwaytheater.com

An evening with two legendary jazz musicians, Bob James and Dave Koz, are bringing their “Just Us” tour to the Parkway Theater, in Minneapolis, on March 25, 2025.

Koz writes:

I'm beyond excited to announce that my dear friend, the legendary Bob James and I will be hitting the road together this March for a very limited and unique set of intimate concerts. The "Just Us Tour” is in celebration of our brand new duet album, "Just Us” coming out March 7…we are SO looking forward to sharing this new music with you!

Tour Dates:

March 13 Traverse City, MI Alluvion Mesa Arts Center

March 15 Mesa, AZ Lincoln Center

March 22 Chicago, IL Studebaker Theater

March 25 Minneapolis, MN The Parkway

April 01 Seattle, WA Dimitiriou's Jazz Alley

Martha Wainwright at Hook & Ladder Theater (25 Mar 2025)

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Martha Wainwright

Drive-By-Truckers if fronted by a combination of Amanda Shires and Martha Wainwright. Shotgun Tori & The Hounds will be playing White Mountain Folk on September 27 and MixFest 2019 on September 28 ...

25 Mar 2025 Tuesday

Martha Wainwright
with guest Brad Barr
at The Hook & Ladder Theater
thehookmpls.com

Canadian singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright is celebrating of her self-titled debut album (originally released in 2005). If the name Wainwright sounds familiar, that’s because she’s the daughter of musicians Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III and the younger sister of singer–composer Rufus Wainwright. Martha’s half-sister is Lucy Wainwright Roche… so she’s from a whole family of musicians.

Anyway the “20th Anniversary of Martha Wainwright” show will take place March 25, 2025, at the Hook and Ladder.

Brad Barr to open.

Tour Dates:

03/21 – Hamilton, ON – Bridgeworks

03/22 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

03/23 – Grand Rapids, MI – Midtown

03/25 – Minneapolis, MN – The Hook & Ladder

03/26 – Des Moines, IA – xBk Live

03/27 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater

03/29 – Las Vegas, NV – Myron’s

03/30 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s

04/01 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour

04/02 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

04/04 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios

04/05 – Seattle, WA – Fremont Abbey Arts Center

04/06 – Burnaby, BC – Shadbolt Centre

04/07 – Sidney, BC – Mary Winspear Centre

04/23 – Chicoutimi, QC – Théâtre C

04/24 – Quebec City, QC – Palais Montcalm

04/25 – Montreal, QC – Théâtre Outremont

04/26 – Natick, MA – The Center for the Arts

04/27 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

04/29 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live

04/30 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge

05/01 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel

05/02 – Annapolis, MD – Ramshead Live

05/03 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall

05/05 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie's Attic

05/06 – Nashville, TN – 3rd and Lindsley

05/08 – St Louis, MO – Blue Strawberry

05/09 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern

05/10 – Three Oaks, MI – The Acorn

05/11 – Toronto, ON – The Great Hall

Lunar Vacation at 7th St Entry (26 Mar 2025)

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Lunar Vacation

Atlanta’s Lunar Vacation are indie rockers consisting of Gep Repasky, on vocals and guitar, Maggie Geeslin, on guitar, Matteo DeLurgio, on keyboard and percussion, Connor Dowd, on drums and …

26 Mar 2025 Wednesday

Lunar Vacation
with Mia Joy
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Decatur, GA-based band Lunar Vacation is returning to Minneapolis on March 26, 2025. The band’s sophomore album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire is out now on Keeled Scales.

Lunar Vacation at Fine Line (04 Mar 2022)

We saw Lunar Vacation in Mar 2022 and wrote, “Opening the show was Atlanta’s Lunar Vacation… which surprisingly was very good. We didn’t know what to expect from them, only having heard their cover of Wham’s “Last Christmas” (which we wrote about…, er, last Christmas)…. During their set, they mentioned this was their last stop of the tour… and, in fact, they “lost a band member”. They quickly recruited Minneapolis’ progressive metal band Why Not member Isaac… who spent the day learning their songs.”

Update: Mia Joy to open.

Tour dates:

Feb 9, 2025 The Loving Touch Ferndale, MI

Feb 11, 2025 The Garrison Toronto, ON

Feb 13, 2025 Brighton Music Hall Boston, MA

Feb 14, 2025 Space Ballroom Hamden, CT

Feb 15, 2025 Brooklyn Made New York, NY

Feb 16, 2025 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA

Feb 18, 2025 The Atlantis Washington, DC

Feb 20, 2025 Richmond Music Hall Richmond, VA

Feb 21, 2025 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC

Feb 22, 2025 New Brookland Tavern Columbia, SC

Mar 20, 2025 Terminal West Atlanta, GA

Mar 22, 2025 The Blue Room Nashville, TN

Mar 25, 2025 Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL

Mar 26, 2025 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, MN

Mar 26, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025 Treefort Music Fest Boise, ID

Mar 28, 2025 Lost Lake Denver, CO

Mar 31, 2025 Madame Lou's Seattle, WA

Apr 2, 2025 Polaris Hall Portland, OR

Apr 4, 2025 Rickshaw Stop San Francisco, CA

Apr 5, 2025 Constellation Room Santa Ana, CA

Apr 6, 2025 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA

Apr 8, 2025 Voodoo Room San Diego, CA

Apr 10, 2025 The Rebel Lounge Phoenix, AZ

Apr 11, 2025 Launchpad Albuquerque, NM

Apr 12, 2025 El Camino Las Cruces, NM

Apr 14, 2025 Club Dada Dallas, TX

Apr 15, 2025 Parish Austin, TX

Apr 16, 2025 Paper Tiger San Antonio, TX

Apr 17, 2025 White Oak Music Hall Houston, TX

Apr 19, 2025 Handlebar Pensacola, FL

Apr 20, 2025 Underbelly Jacksonville, FL

Apr 22, 2025 The Social Orlando, FL

Apr 23, 2025 Crowbar Tampa, FL

May 15, 2025 - May 18, 2025 Kilby Block Party 2025 Salt Lake City, UT

Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Ames Center (26 Mar 2025)

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Scotland

pecial guests includes Snowgoose (Irish dates), The Cords (UK dates, including Glasgow), and the Vaselines (Glasgow date only). Last year, Camera Obscura …

26 Mar 2025 Wednesday

Red Hot Chilli Pipers
at Ames Center
ames-center.com

Scotland’s Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be headlining the Ames Center, in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Obviously, their name was inspired by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, but the Pipers play all sorts of covers songs, such as Queen (“We Will Rock You” and Journey (“Don’t Stop Believing”).

Go see them and find out why the band not only won Scottish Live Act of the Year twice!

Tour dates:

22 March 2025 aushwaubenon, wi

23 March 2025 carmel, in

25 March 2025 ironwood, mi

26 March 2025 Burnsville, MN, USA

27 March 2025 Eau Claire, WI, USA

28 March 2025 wasau, wi

29 March 2025 Madison, WI, USA

30 March 2025 Des Moines, IA, USA

01 April 2025 Nepean, Canada

02 April 2025 St Catherines, Canada

03 April 2025 Richmond Hill, Canada

04 April 2025 Markham, Canada

05 April 2025 Kingston, Canada

Taxpayers at Underground (27 Mar 2025)

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The Taxpayers

Genre-bending punk band The Taxpayers recently released their new single, “At War With The Dogcatchers.” Check out the cartoon-ish video now. …

27 Mar 2025 Thursday

The Taxpayers
with constant insult, free candy
at Underground
undergroundmusicvenue.com

After a multi-year hiatus, long-running Portland’s experimental punk band The Taxpayers are back with Circle Breaker, out on March 21 on Ernest Jenning Record Co.

Rob Taxpayer comments on the album, “Just as we began working on this album, our guitar player Andrew had a family member gunned down and murdered at a park near his home. The next day, the city came and cut down the cherry tree in front of his house. A week or two later, Andrew texted me a picture: the gnarled stump of the cherry tree had sprouted new growth. A new tree being born from the old. Death, Taxes... and Life.”

The Taxpayers have announced a series of midwest shows in support of Circle Breaker this spring in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit, along with summer shows on the east and west coast.

The Taxpayers Tour Dates:

March 27 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Underground

March 28 - Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club

March 29 - Detroit, MI @ The Loving Touch

Jeffrey Lewis at Pillar Forum (29 Mar 2025)

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John Grant

In my humble opinion, John Grant is up there with other lauded artists like Bob Dylan or Patti Smith; a brilliant lyrical master who funnels dry and witty observations about love, mortality and Dairy Queen ...

29 Mar 2025 Saturday

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage
with Grasping Straws
at Pillar Forum
pilllar.com

Antifolker Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage will be in town at the Pillar Forum, to promote his new album The EVEN MORE Freewheelin' Jeffrey Lewis (Don Giovanni Records).

Jeffrey Lewis at The Record Exchange (30 Mar 2008)

We saw Jeffrey Lewis in Mar 2008 and wrote, “The perpetrator: Jeffrey Lewis and the Jitters, or rather, the Jitter. The only remaining member of the band on tour was Helen Schreiner on keyboards and backing vocals. Jeffrey Lewis is an anti-folk singer/songwriter and comic book artist (the comic he draws is called Fuff) from New York City, touring in support of his latest, completely literally titled release, 12 Crass Songs, which is seriously twelve Crass songs, rewritten and rearranged to both be relevant today, and sound good as acoustic songs. His typical live set is a combination of songs and “movies,” where he shows storybooks that he drew, along with a song, about such topics as the history of communism, the history of writing, the existential crisis of not looking like a hippie anymore, and creeping brains and monsters with severed red hands.”

Grasping Straws to open.

Tour Dates:

March 1 – Melbourne, VIC – Trash Cult

March 2 – Castlemaine, VIC – Red Hill Hotel

March 3 – Hobart, TAS – Grand Poobah

March 4 – TBA ?Launceston, TAS?

March 5 – Hobart, TAS – House Show!

March 7 – Adelaide, SA – The Metro

March 8 – Perth, WA – Buffalo Club.

March 10 –? Perth? TBA

March 11 – ? Brisbane? TBA

March 20 – Brooklyn, NY – MEADOWS!

March 21 – Baltimore MD – Metro

March 22 –Cleveland, OH – Happy Dog

March 23 – Cincinnati, OH – Northside Tavern

March 24 – Indianapolis, IN – Healer

March 25 – St. Louis MO – The Sinkhole

March 26- Kansas City, MO – The Ship

March 27- Des Moines, IA Lefty’s

March 28- Fargo ND – Parachigo

March 29- Minneapolis MN – Pillar Forum

March 30- Madison WI –Crucible

March 31- Milwaukee WI – Cactus Club

April 01 – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme

April 02 – Detroit MI -The Lager House

April 03- Columbus OH – Cafe Bourbon Street

April 04- Buffalo, NY – Nietzsche’s

April 05- Bard College, NY

John Grant at Dakota Jazz Club (29 Mar 2025)

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John Grant

29 Mar 2025 Saturday

John Grant
at Dakota Jazz Club
dakotacooks.com

In his first US tour in seven years, John Grant will be heading to the Dakota Jazz Club, on March 29, 2025, in support of his new record The Art of the Lie out now via [PIAS] Recordings.

John Grant at Cedar Cultural Center (22 Oct 2015)

We saw Grant in Oct 2015 and wrote, “In my humble opinion, John Grant is up there with other lauded artists like Bob Dylan or Patti Smith; a brilliant lyrical master who funnels dry and witty observations about love, mortality and Dairy Queen through his rich baritone and coats it with dreamy and dark chamber-pop and white-hot disco. He played these drop-dead gorgeous piano compositions (“Queen of Denmark,” “Fireflies”) and then hopped to his feet to move playfully around for funky dance numbers like “Geraldine” and “You and Him.” Sometimes he got help from the audience as during the crazy-fun set closer “Voodoo Doll” when one fan could not sit still any longer (did I mention it was a seated show?) and climbed on stage to boogie with Grant. Why didn’t I think of that?”

Tour Dates:

Mar. 8 - 9, 2025 WOMADelaide Festival Adelaide, Australia

MAR 11 City Recital Hall Sydney, Australia

MAR 13 Melbourne Recital Centre Melbourne, Australia

MAR 15 Fremantle Arts Centre Fremantle, Australia

MAR 28 John Grant Evanston, IL

MAR 29 John Grant Minneapolis, MN

MAR 31 Neptune Theatre Seattle, WA

APR 1 John Grant Vancouver, Canada

APR 2 John Grant Portland, OR

APR 4 Masonic Lodge Los Angeles, CA

APR 5 Grace Cathedral San Francisco, CA

APR 8 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA

APR 9 Crystal Ballroom Somerville, MA

APR 11 John Grant Vienna, VA

APR 12 Roulette Intermedium New York City, NY

Mayhem at First Ave (29 Mar 2025)

29 Mar 2025 Saturday

Mayhem
with Mortiis, Imperial Triumphant and New Skeletal Faces
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Norwegian black metal stalwarts Mayhem are currently on tour, stopping by First Avenue, in Minneapolis, on March 29th, 2025. The band is celebrating their 41st anniversary as a band.

Other bands on the bill: Mortiis, Imperial Triumphant and New Skeletal Faces .

Tour Dates:

Mar 1 Albuquerque, NM · Fusion

Mar 17 Atlanta, GA · The Masquerade

Mar 18 Nashville, TN · Brooklyn Bowl

Mar 19 Indianapolis, IN · The Vogue Theatre

Mar 20 Chicago, IL · House of Blues

Mar 22 Worcester, MA · Palladium

Mar 23 Reading, PA · Nightclub Reverb

Mar 24 New York, NY · Irving Plaza

Mar 25 Montreal, Canada · Théâtre Beanfield

Mar 26 Toronto, Canada · The Concert Hall

Mar 27 Detroit, MI · The Majestic Theatre

Mar 29 Minneapolis, MN · First Avenue

Mar 31 Denver, CO · Summit

Apr 3 Calgary, Canada · The Palace Theatre

Apr 4 Edmonton, Canada · Union Hall

Apr 6 Vancouver, Canada · Rickshaw Theatre

Apr 7 Tacoma, WA · Landmark Catering

Apr 9 San Francisco, CA · The Fillmore

Apr 10 Anaheim, CA · House of Blues

Apr 11 Los Angeles, CA · The Belasco

Bri Bagwell + Austin Plaine at Icehouse (30 Mar 2025)

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Austin Plaine

23-year old Minneapolis native Austin Plaine will be releasing his self-title debut album on Washington Square/Razor & Tie this September 11th. You can currently preview his song "Houston" on .....

30 Mar 2025 Sunday

Bri Bagwell + Austin Plaine
at Icehouse
icehouse.com

Texas’ Bri Bagwell and Minnesota-bred, Nashville-based musician Austin Plaine are co-headlining at the Icehouse on March 30, 2025.

Bagwell’s new single “Ain’t That Love”, a duet with Timber Wilde, came out on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14).

Austin Plaine at Varsity Theater (19 Mar 2016)

We saw Austin Plaine in March 2016 and said, “Austin Plaine got a massive fanbase in Minneapolis, thanks to the fact that he’s actually from here. The fans were loud and often chanting something like “AP” (or “Eddy”?), clearly indicating that they were only here to show support for Plaine. Plaine, at first was grateful, but eventually got a little annoyed by the chanting and said, “Shut up, I’m trying to talk here.” The fans immediately quieted down, letting the singer introduce the band: Spencer on drums and James on guitars.”

Tour Dates:

February 25th, 2025 @ Las Cruces, NM New Mexico Farm

March 1st, 2025 @ Houston, TX Goode Company

March 2nd, 2025 @ Plano, TX The Lexus Box Garden

March 8th, 2025 @ Austin, TX The White Horse

March 21st, 2025 @ Abilene, TX Outlaws and Legends Fest

March 22nd, 2025 @ Lytle, TX Lytle Music Festival 2025

March 27th, 2025 @ St. Louis, MO Blue Strawberry

March 28th, 2025 @ Chicago, IL Carol's Pub

March 29th, 2025 @ Kieler, WI PJ's Pub & Hall

March 30th, 2025 @ Minneapolis, MN Icehouse

April 1st, 2025 @ Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom

April 2nd, 2025 @ Columbus, OH Natalie's Grandview

April 5th, 2025 @ Nashville, TN The Basement

April 24th, 2025 @ Briarwood States, TX Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival

April 26th, 2025 @ Freeport, TX Freeport Municipal Park

May 2nd, 2025 @ Helotes, TX Cornyval Festival 2025

May 10th, 2025 @ Chickasha, OK Legends Pub House

May 27th, 2025 @ Willow Park, TX RailHead Smokehouse

June 6th, 2025 @ Mckinney, TX Downtown Historic

June 7th, 2025 @ Little Elm, TX Craft Brew and Que Festival

June 21st, 2025 @ Mckinney, TX Family Fest 2025

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 12:00 AM in Austin Plaine, Bri Bagwell, Dave Koz, Hovvdy, Jeffrey Lewis, John Grant, Journey, Lunar Vacation, Martha Wainwright, Mayhem, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Music Guide, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Scotland, Taxpayers | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/21/2025

Minneapolis: April 20 to April 21, 2025

We♥KC! March 25-28, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

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The Faint

Modern synth/Dark Wave/Danse band The Faint just released their Capsule: 1999-2016. The retrospective collects their early classics with new classics from their 2016

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

It’s officially Spring! -

Don’t count the weird weather out just yet though, but those flashes of warmer temps have had us feeling more optimistic.

The calendar has gotten busier with acts coming through to play, following last weekend’s SXSW in Austin, TX which sadly might be its last year as a music destination. We’re thrilled locally with recent show announcements by Cyndi Lauper, Deftones, Black Keys, and even Bill Murray, all coming later this summer.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 18th-24th:

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

TUESDAY MARCH 25

Keith Ladzinski, Photographer: Forces of Nature, Mar 25, Muriel Kauffman Theatre, $45-$68

It’s the next exciting installment in the Kauffman’s Changemaker Speaker Series!

Keith Ladzinski is a National Geographic photographer and Emmy nominated director. His work primarily focuses on natural history, climate change, extreme sports, fine art and advertising campaigns, sending him to the furthest reaches of the seven continents on photo and film assignments.

Whether dangling from ropes to document first ascents in interior Antarctica, storm chasing in Tornado Alley, trekking up Mount Everest, or diving with wild alligators in the Florida Everglades, Ladzinski has been there, visually documenting it all. Journey to the farthest reaches of the planet in this sweeping look at nature and man.

Bewitcher, Deathchant, Persekutor, Mar 25, recordBar, $22.10

Since their formation in 2013, Bewitcher has seen their signature “Black Magick Metal” sound go from humble beginnings to new heights of creativity. The Portland OR black/speed metal band have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working touring acts around, bringing their high energy live shows to every corner of North America and abroad.

The speed metal demons have unleashed a new digital single, "The Warrior Trail," which was previously only available via the Decibel Magazine flexi series and is also joining forces with DEATHCHANT to co-headline a U.S. tour in celebration of their latest offering, 'Spell Shock,' along with support from PERSEKUTOR.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 26

Velveteers w Girl Tones, Mar 26, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $15-$18

Colorado indie alt rockers The Velveteers have embarked on their 2025 Million Knives tour, which coincides with the band’s sophomore album A Million Knives, released February 14 via Easy Eye Sound (Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach’s label).

This follows their recent Kiss the Future tour from last Fall (still in support of first album, Nightmare Daydream), and we’ll say it again – we’ve been knocked out every time we’ve seen them live, so prepare to be thrilled.

Led by tour-de-force frontwoman Demi Demitro and backed by dual drummers Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Fig (playing on a conjoined kit), the band had released two singles ahead of the new record- “Go Fly Away” and most recently “Suck The Cherry.”

Arrive early for buzzing opener, Girl Tones, a high-energy rock duo brought to life by two classically trained sisters named Kenzie and Laila. Kenzie transitioned from cello to guitar and Laila from piano to drums and their debut singles were produced by Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant and released via his label, Parallel Vision.

THURSDAY MARCH 27

Steel Panther w/ Moon Fever, Mar 27, The Midland, $29.50-$169

15 years later, we’re all still Feelin’ the Steel-- Steel Panther have announced a March leg of their Feel the Steel 15th anniversary tour (before they head to Europe) celebrating the self-proclaimed “greatest heavy metal album of all-time,” also releasing a 15th anniversary expanded edition of the album late last year.

We’re always excited to catch one of the best party bands out there, as we did just over a year ago, and they’re back, and playing an even bigger venue, so expect even more metal mayhem.

Seattle rockers Moon Fever are on the bill again as well and have shared the King Zabb directed music video for their new track "TV Skin." The song is the latest from their debut album, Forever Sleep. Moon Fever is comprised of Triston Bracht [vocals], Mitch Micoley [guitar], Dave Orton [bass], and Troy Wageman [drums], has been making waves with their high-energy performances and infectious rock hooks.

honestav, Mar 27, recordBar,Sold Out

Rising Missouri-based alternative singer/songwriter honestav is out on his 39-date national headline ‘No License Tour”, selling out most shows, including Minneapolis, where we just caught the show live.

He just released “Growin Pains” ahead of the deluxe version of his debut EP hara-kiri, just out. The next single “Livin’ Wrong” will be coming later this month. Previous single “Hurts to Fall in Love” continues to grow in the Top 40 at Alternative Radio, while breakout track “I’d Rather Overdose” has amassed over 105 million streams globally, and details his personal battles with addiction and loss, while finding the hope to push through.

Wichita KS-raised, LA-based hip-hopper Damien Styles opens, so it’s really all a Midwest show.

FRIDAY MARCH 28

The Faint w Plack Blague, Mar 28, Warehouse on Broadway, $30

Electro band The Faint has returned to announce a reissue of two of their classic albums, 1999's Blank-Wave Arcade, and 2004's Wet From Birth, both of which are just out on the band's longtime label home Saddle Creek.

The band emerged in the late 1990s in Omaha, NE to pioneer a sound that combined the melodic essence of new wave, the raw edge of post-punk, and the futurism of electro. The distinctive, synth-driven sound that brought The Faint to wide acclaim first surfaced on 1999's Blank-Wave Arcade. Wet From Birth followed in 2004 with its electro-orchestral arrangements, cementing The Faint's reputation as pioneers of the indie synth scene.

The band’s now based in the Joshua Tree area of California and also released a found song from the Blank-Wave Arcade era called "Brokers, Priests & Analysts," along with a remaster of the single from that album, "Worked Up So Sexual." Plus, check out the brand-new venue the band will be playing at.

Michael Carbonaro (comedy), Mar 28, Midland,$39.50-$69.50

The magician and comedian is best known for his show “The Carbonaro Effect,” a hidden camera magic series that ran for five seasons on truTV and continues out live and in-person with his “Lies on Stage” tour.

A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at NYU with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic.

Michael’s extensive list of accolades includes the “Outfest Best Actor” award as well as the “Magician of the Year” honor, bestowed upon him by the Academy of Magical Arts in 2015. In 2016, he was the inaugural recipient of the Copperfield Prize which recognizes an individual for elevating the art of magic.

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 12:13 AM in Bewitcher, honestav, John, Kansas City, Kansas City Music Guide, Kauffman Center, Steel Panther, The Faint, Velveteers | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/20/2025

honestav at Fine Line (03-19-2025)

honestav at Fine Line (19 Mar 2025)

Tour Dates

3/20/25 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium

3/21/25 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre

3/27/25 – Kansas City, MO – Record Bar

3/28/25 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop

3/30/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache

3/31/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

4/1/25 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups

4/3/25 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter

4/4/25 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s

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honestav

Alternative recording artist and songwriter honestav is headlining his first solo tour: No License Tour. The tour will stop in Minneapolis, at the Fine Line, on March 19, 2025. …

With multiple musical acts at the Fine Line Wednesday night, there was one aspect of the evening they all agreed on. It was cold as f*ck outside.

Before the opener the gathering crowd had a chance to catch two musicians getting their feet wet in front of a live crowd: Youngdnd from Shakopee, MN and Z Boogie Official from Springfield, MO.

Damien Styles then took the stage and let out a string of profanity when it came to his opinion of the Minnesota weather. He then did a quick pivot to thank the headliner and told the audience that his music is based on his emotions and it was his hope that everyone in the audience would leave ten pounds lighter by then end of the show.

From Wichita, KS, Styles started writing music at age 6, following in his father’s footsteps, rapper Scott Al_Tall. With a debut album at 14, Styles is supporting his eponymous album released in 2024, which contains an ode to his town in “Small Town Kids.”

Before he moved onto “Bad Bitch Energy” Styles in a surprising moment invited his wife on stage to serenade her with “Winona Forever” a song dedicated to her where Styles professes: If she’s Winona Ryder, I’ll be Johnny Depp.

During Style’s set, there was a fan standing right next to my right ear, and this fan knew all the lyrics and sang those lyrics, which I thought was cool for a musician to have that much of an impact on a fan.

The reason why the fan was standing right next to my ear is because it was a sold out show and there was no place to go. There was a fan who was half my height behind me. She asked if I could scoot over, but I suggested she stand in front of me, which she did when honestav took the stage.

honestav aka Avery Freeman is from a small town outside of Springfield, MO, and like Styles he started writing music early in life. For him there was no Plan B, so he kept plugging away with poems at 8, first song at 12, posting music on Soundcloud at 17, then streaming on major platforms at 23 with his first album Hara Kiri at 26.

The Fine Line wasn’t the first or last show to be sold out on his first headlining tour. honestav has resonated with fans with songs that address drug addiction “I’d Rather Overdose”, parental loss “Just Like You” and depression “Growing Pains.” But he was all smiles at the Fine Line.

Mod Sun at First Ave (13 Oct 2024)

honestav said it was his second time back to the Twin Cities, opening up for Mod Sun at First Ave in October of 2024. He has a special love for the Twin Cities for his fans approached him after that show to tell him that he had to have merch to sell, which was a good indication that he was headed in the right direction.

honestav looked at times a little overwhelmed but very happy by his arrival at the Fine Line, singing in front of a crush of people that knew the lyrics. He said it wasn’t long ago that he was thinking of trying something else, but now…

“I’m from a town of less than 800 people,” he said to the crowd. “Now, there’s 800 people here.”

Yungdnd

Z Boogie Official

Damien Styles

honestav

honestav at Fine Line (19 Mar 2025)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Posted at 03:52 PM in Dave, Fine Line Music Cafe, honestav, Minneapolis, Mod Sun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: The Controversy

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025)

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Assassin's Creed

Unfortunately, the latest Assassin's Creed Mirage is not great. I still enjoyed the game, but there are a few things that did not like about it: First of all, based on being in Baghdad…

The best-selling video game franchise, having sold more than 230 million games worldwide, is back with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This is the fourteenth major Assassin’s Creed game and the setting is in Japan!

As I have previously mentioned, I have loved the recent AC games (don’t love the early games), starting with 2017’s Assassin's Creed Origins (Greek), followed by Assassin's Creed Odyssey (Egypt), and Assassin's Creed Valhalla (Vikings)… but I felt the last game, Assassin's Creed Mirage, was not very good.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has a big controversy with one of the lead protagonists being a black Samurai named Yasuke. I love Japan and from my understanding, normal people can’t become a Samurai. It’s a class system; you basically have to be born in that class. You don’t see a farmer joining a rich family as a warrior. It doesn’t happen and it’s not acceptable.

I know Wikipedia tells me that there is one black Samurai named Yasuke (I believe he was more of a servant, rather than a noble Samurai). I’ve also read about King, a former black slave in Japan, but they are fictional stories. Still, my point is that it’s almost nonexistent to see a black Samurai or a woman Samurai, it’s just not possible.

With that said, I think it was a major mistake that Ubisoft decides that you have to play Yasuke. Imagine if you were forced to play a Japanese Viking from the Valhalla game, I would be pretty upset too.

Still, at the end of the day, most people will just argue that it’s just a game and that we shouldn’t take things so seriously. All this negative feedback on the game, I probably won’t be picking up the game until there’s a big discount. I made a mistake with my purchase of Mirage, so maybe I’ll just sit this one out – unless I see glowing reviews.

If you’re itching to play Shadows, but don’t want to spend $70, you can join Ubisoft+ Premium for $18 a month and play Shadows day one.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Soundtrack by the Flight

Shadows is out today (March 20) on macOS, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.

In related news, I’ve loved all the Assassin’s Creed Game Soundtrack, and you can currently stream the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Original Game Soundtrack at ubisoftmusic.ffm. If you have Amazon Prime, you can listen to it for free or pay $16.49 to buy the MP3s. What’s cool about buying it on Amazon is that it acts like a ‘locker’, so you can stream your library using various Amazon devices.

The soundtrack was composed by music duo The Flight (Joe Henson and Alexis Smith). The duo previously worked on my favorite Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Yours,

Weekend Gamer
[email protected]