W♥M

Minneapolis: This Week (05/07/2023)

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

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

05/02 Overcoats at Turf Club Read More Overcoats Show up early to check out duo Overcoats (Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell). We first caught them in May 2016 and noticed how different their live shows were about a year later: “Gone are the live instruments and keys; the recent Triple Rock …

05/02/2023 Tuesday

Overcoats
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

Duo Overcoats (JJ Mitchell and Hana Elion) is back in the Twin Cities… this time headlining the Turf Club on May 2nd. The band is touring in support of Winner (Never Fall Back Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers).

Overcoats (22 May 2016)

We saw Overcoats’ first Minneapolis appearance in May 2016 and said, “Apparently the duo (Hana Elion & JJ Mitchell) only found out they were going on tour just days (May 18th) before their first gig last night in Chicago. They seemed really happy to be on tour, which you can hear from their voice whenever Hana or JJ would speak. The two harmonized throughout their brief 30-ish set, playing everything from their self-titled debut EP, and also throwing in a new single ‘Nighttime Hunger’ and a cover of Hozier’s ‘Cherry Wine’… Overcoats had a great sound, and based on the audience’s feedback, they certainly made some new fans on their first night playing in Minneapolis.”

Tour dates:

Apr 24 Boston, MA, US Brighton Music Hall
Apr 25 Philadelphia, PA, US Johnny Brenda's
Apr 26 New York (NYC), NY, US Bowery Ballroom
Apr 28 Rochester, NY, US Water Street Music Hall
Apr 29 Toronto, ON, Canada The Great Hall
May 1 Milwaukee, WI, US Back Room, Colectivo Coffee
May 2 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club
May 3 Chicago, IL, US Sleeping Village
May 5 Lakewood, OH, US Mahall's
May 6 Columbus, OH, US Rumba Cafe
May 7 Pittsburgh, PA, US Club Café
May 13 Seattle, WA, US Neumos
May 14 Portland, OR, US Polaris Hall
May 16 San Francisco, CA, US The Independent
May 18 Santa Ana, CA, US Constellation Room
May 19 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US Lodge Room

05/03 The New Pornographers with Wild Pink at The Fitzgerald Theater Read More New Pornographers Supergroup The New Pornographers (featuring A.C. Newman, Blaine Thurier, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Kathryn Calder, Kurt Dahle, Neko Case and Todd Fancey) are on tour in support of Brill Bruisers, out now on Matador Records. .…

05/03/2023 Wednesday

The New Pornographers
with Wild Pink
at The Fitzgerald Theater
first-avenue.com

Canadian band The New Pornographers is back on tour in support of Continue as a Guest (Merge Records). This is the group’s ninth album and first for Merge Records.

New Pornographers (12 Nov 2014)

We caught the band in Nov 2014 and said, “After a brief intermission, the screen covering the main stage rose, and all eight members of New Pornographers took to the stage to rave applause, starting their set with the harmony laden title track from just-released album, Brill Bruisers (Matador Records); the song itself is homage to the classic Brill Building where so many great records were made.”

Tour Dates:

Apr 19 Asheville, NC, US Salvage Station
Apr 20 Atlanta, GA, US Variety Playhouse
Apr 21 New Orleans, LA, US Tipitina's
Apr 22 Houston, TX, US White Oak Music Hall
Apr 23 Dallas, TX, US The Studio
Apr 25 Austin, TX, US Paramount
Apr 26 Oklahoma City, OK, US Tower Theatre
Apr 27 St Louis, MO, US Sheldon Concert Hall
Apr 28 Omaha, NE, US The Waiting Room
Apr 29 Kansas City, MO, US The Truman
Apr 30 Englewood, CO, US Gothic Theatre
May 3 St. Paul, MN, US Fitzgerald Theater
May 4 Milwaukee, WI, US Turner Hall
May 5 Chicago, IL, US Thalia Hall
May 6 Chicago, IL, US Thalia Hall
May 8 Cincinnati, OH, US Memorial Hall
May 9 Columbus, OH, US Newport Music Hall
May 11 Detroit, MI, US El Club
May 12 Toronto, ON, Canada The Danforth Music Hall
May 13 South Burlington, VT, US Higher Ground
May 14 Norwalk, CT, US Wall Street Theater
May 15 Boston, MA, US Royale Boston
May 17 Brooklyn, NY, US Brooklyn Steel
May 18 Philadelphia, PA, US Union Transfer
May 19 Washington, DC, US 9:30 Club
May 20 Washington, DC, US 9:30 Club
May 21 Saxapahaw, NC, US Haw River Ballroom

05/06 Alice Cooper at Sanford Center Read More Alice Cooper Rock icon Alice Cooper is bringing his incredibly live show to Mankato’s Vetter Stone Amphitheater this Friday, June 9th. We caught Cooper & Co earlier in December 2015 and said, “Alice Cooper shows …

05/06/2023 Saturday

Alice Cooper
at Sanford Center
thesanfordcenter.com

Rock legend Alice Cooper is currently on his “Too Close For Comfort” Tour. The tour will find its way to Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN on Saturday, May 6th. We looked it up, it’s about a two hours drive from where we’re at… so we won’t be attending this show. But if you’re willing to make the trip (or live in Bemidji), it’s a no-brainer to go see Cooper.

Alice Cooper (15 July 2018)

We last saw Alice Cooper with an all-star backup band in July 2018 and wrote, ““Anybody recognize this guitar?” four-time Grammy Award winning ex-guitarist for The Eagles, Don Felder asked, holding up his signature double neck before strumming the recognizable first chords of ‘Hotel California’’. Felder then introduced Alice Cooper, and he and the band dove straight into ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’, accompanied by the legendary guitarist from The Doors, Robbie Krieger.”

Even though Cooper sings “No More Mr Nice Guy”, the reality is that we’ve met and talked to Cooper, and he’s really the nicest rock star you’ll ever meet! What a nice guy!

Tour dates:

Apr 28 Mount Pleasant, MI, US Soaring Eagle Casino
Apr 29 Youngstown, OH, US Covelli Centre
Apr 30 Hershey, PA, US Hershey Theatre
May 2 Fort Wayne, IN, US Allen County War
May 3 Milwaukee, WI, US Miller High Life Theatre
May 5 Prior Lake, MN, US Mystic Lake Showroom
May 6 Bemidji, MN, US Sanford Center
May 7 Sioux City, IA, US Tyson Event Center
May 9 Champaign, IL, US State Farm Center
May 10 Louisville, KY, US Louisville Palace
May 13 Knoxville, TN, US Tennessee Theatre
May 14 Spartanburg, SC, US Spartanburg Memorial
May 15 North Charleston, SC, US North Charleston Performing
May 17 Shreveport, LA, US Shreveport Municipal
May 18 Biloxi, MS, US Beau Rivage Theatre
May 18 Daytona Beach, FL, US Welcome to Rockville
Aug 5 Syracuse, NY, US Jma Wireless Dome
Aug 8 Columbus, OH, US Ohio Stadium
Aug 11 Fargo, ND, US Fargodome
Aug 13 Outdoor Omaha, NE, US Charles Schwab Field
Aug 16 Tulsa, OK, US Skelly Stadium
Aug 18 El Paso, TX, US Sun Bowl Stadium
Aug 24 Dallas, TX, US Dos Equis Pavilion
Aug 26 Tampa, FL, US MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Aug 27 West Palm Beach, FL, US iTHINK Financial Amph
Aug 29 Raleigh, NC, US Coastal Credit Union
Aug 30 Virginia Beach, VA, US Veterans United
Sep 1 Tinley Park, IL, US Hollywood Casino Amph
Sep 2 Des Moines, IA, US Wells Fargo Arena
Sep 5 Clarkston, MI, US Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sep 6 Toronto, ON, Canada Budweiser Stage
Sep 8 Scranton, PA, US Montage Mountain
Sep 9 Wantagh, NY, US Northwell Health
Sep 10 Hartford, CT, US Xfinity Theatre
Sep 12 Nashville, TN, US Bridgestone Arena
Sep 13 Cincinnati, OH, US Riverbend Music Center
Sep 15 Bonner Springs, KS, US Azura Amph
Sep 16 Greenwood Village, CO, US Fiddler's Green Amph
Sep 19 Ridgefield, WA, US RV Inn Style Resorts Amph
Sep 20 Auburn, WA, US White River
Sep 22 Concord, CA, US Concord Pavilion
Sep 23 Anaheim, CA, US Honda Center
Sep 24 Phoenix, AZ, US Ak-chin Amphitheatre

05/06 City and Colour with Courtney Marie Andrews at First Avenue Read More City and Colour Singer, songwriter and performer Dallas Green is returning to the road under his stagename/band City and Colour. ...

05/06/2023 Saturday

City and Colour
with Courtney Marie Andrews
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Dallas Green, aka City and Colour will be headlining First Avenue, in Minneapolis on May 6th, 2023. He is touring in support of his new album The Love Still Held Me Near (Still Records, an imprint of Dine Alone Records).

Courtney Marie Andrews will open the show. The last time we heard from her, she teamed up with Caitlin Rose to produce an album called Cazimi.

2023 City and Colour U.S. Tour Dates

May 3 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live
May 5 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
May 7 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
May 9 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
May 10 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
May 12 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
May 13 – Richmond, VA – The National
May 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
May 16 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
May 17 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
May 19 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre
May 20 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
May 21 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre

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 16-30, 2021 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected at the recent Astroworld concert in Houston, TX- we all wanted live music to return, but not with these results.  Thankfully, things are much more calm in these parts, but still remain busy through the rest of the month, particularly at The Truman, which offers up a Thanksgiving cornucopia-sized basket of good shows. 

On the chance that you’re not out on Nov. 20, be sure to tune into the 5^th AnnualThundergong Benefit, a livestream-only event hosted by Jason (Ted Lasso) Sudekis and features Sammy Hagar, Nathaniel Rateliff, Counting Crows,Ben Rector, (Kansas City’s own) Waxahatchee, Wynonna, and many more for Steps of Faith Foundation. 

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the Second half of November

(a few recommended shows are highlighted below):

2021-11-16 Surfaces at Truman   2021-11-19 Silversun Pickups at Truman   2021-11-19 Geoff Tate at Knuckleheads   Read More Silversun Pickups Recently, Silversun Pickups announced their 15-date November tour, with special guest Zella Day. The tour will hit all major cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Tulsa, and more. …

Tuesday November 16

Surfaces with Khai Dreams and Public Library Commute, The Truman. $27-$50

Texas-sized chill good vibes from this “no worries” duo that blends indie with calypso, reggae, pop, and hip-hop might be the kind of positive, laid back show we all need right now.  Their fourth full-length, Pacifico (on Caroline Records) came out in June, collaborating more recently with Tal Verdes on non-album single, “Sheesh!”

Zach Bryan, Uptown (7p). $30-$162

Smallpools w/ Morgxn, Uptown (9p), $22.

Citizen, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $19-$23.


Wednesday November 17

Goose, The Truman. $25-$50

Straight No Chaser, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $37.95-$63


Thursday November 18

Caribou with Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Granada. $27

The Happy Fits, RecordBar. $15

Stephen Curtis Chapman, Folly. $26-$75

Squirrel Nut Zippers, Knuckleheads. $35

Riley Green w/ Matt Stell, Kameron Marlowe, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, $10.65-$12.


Friday November 19

Silversun Pickups, The Truman $29.50-$60

Anyone remember Martika?  Los Angeles alt rock band Silversun Pickups sure does, covering her 1988 radio hit in their own unique way and the band has also returned to the road, with a 15-date November tour in support of 2019’s Widow Weeds (on New Machine Recordings), all produced by famed producer (and Garbage drummer) Butch Vig.

We’ve covered them since late 2012, having last seen them live in 2016, and the newest album represents a confessional album about rebirth and renewal.  Singer Brian Aubert says of it, “This was the first album where we were open. We were exposed. I see how that can be scary to people, but for us, we really thrived on that.” Zella Day to open.

Geoff Tate, Knuckleheads. $27.50

Queensryche is scheduled to play KC just a week before(Nov 12) and seeing ex-vocalist Tate completes the picture, especially as he is set to perform classic albums Rage for Order and Empire in their entirety… “Can’t you hear it calling?”

Steep Canyon Rangers, Lied Center. $14-$35

Al Franken, Uptown, $47-92.

2021-11-20 Thundergong - 5th Annual Benefit   2021-11-20 Mayer Hawthorne at Truman   Read More Mayer Hawthorne Tuxedo (the Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One collaboration) is playing the Cedar Cultural Center this August 14. ....

Saturday November 20

Thundergong- 5^th Annual Benefit (livestream)
Thundergong! • A Benefit Concert for Steps of Faith Foundation

Mayer Hawthorne, The Truman. $25-$30

The Ann Arbor, MI native is back on the road supporting 8^th studio album, 2020’s Rare Changes (on Big Bucks Records) and deftly weaves his unique blend of soul-based indie pop that looks forward as well as keeps its inspirations from the past.  Hawthorne is also known for collaborations under the names Tuxedo and Jaded Incorporated.

Keith Sweat with Bell Biv DeVoe, Bobby Brown and more, T-Mobile Center. $66-$175

This would be a great show… in 1990.  But, it’s now a chance to re-live those days with a roster that also adds on 90’s acts Dru Hill (w/Sisqo) and Silk, so expect an evening of soul, R&B, and throwback New Jack. 

The Guess Who, Ameristar. $35-$150

Susan Werner, Yardley Hall- Overland Park, $25+

Aaron Watson, Uptown. $20-$40

Bodeans, Knuckleheads. $30

Ice Nine Kills, Granada Lawrence, $30.

Folly Frolic with Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery, Folly. $40-$125

2021-11-21 Lovelytheband and Sir Sly at The Truman  2021-11-21 Richard Thompson at Folly Theater   2021-11-26 Hembree at Truman   Read More lovelytheband lovelytheband is headlining the all-ages show at the Varsity Theater on Sunday, April 28th. Show up early to check out Flora Cash, Jagwar Twin, and OTW . … Hembree Dance trio Hembree (Isaac Flynn, Garrett Childers, Eric Davis) opened the show. Their aggressive dance songs had fans who showed up early dancing to songs like ‘Can’t Run Forever’ and ‘Found’… …

Sunday November 21

Lovelytheband and Sir Sly with Cannons, The Truman. $29.50-$35

This all-Los Angeles bands triple-bill might be the best indie-rock bang-for-your-buck of the season, as all three acts have considerable buzz around them.  We caught headliners lovelytheband at a much smaller venue in 2018 and just knew they were headed to bigger and better things.  The indie pop band returned to record racks with 2020’s Conversations with Myself About You (on Century Media/RED) and also non-album songs, “Games” (w/Tessa Violet) and “Miss You a Little” (w/Bryce Vine).

Co-headliner Sir Sly released third full-length, The Rise & Fall of Loverboy (on Interscope Records) this April, which includes single, “Citizen” with Gary Clark, Jr., and we’re loving everything we’ve heard from Cannons, whose hit single, “Bad Dream”, has been followed by by a digital-only cover album earlier this year. 

Richard Thompson, Folly Theater, $15-$50.

The English folk legend returns, still touring in support of nineteenth solo album, 13 Rivers (on New West Records) and over five decades of musical history, dating back to seminal 60’s band Fairport Convention.

Whitney Peyton, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $12-$15.


Monday November 22

Neck Deep, The Truman. $27.50


Friday November 26

Hembree, The Truman, $15-20.

Kansas City’s hometown indie-rock heroes return for a Black Friday headlining show, that is the perfect palette finisher after a day of shopping for holiday deals.  Latest album is 2019’s House on Fire (on Thirty Tigers Records) but the band also re-convened remotely during the pandemic for newest songs, “Operators” and “Reach Out”.

The quintet last played the area at recordBar in March 2020, so this is a big venue upgrade and looks to be a joyous way to spend the busy holiday weekend.  Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear and Dreamgirl to open.


Saturday November 27

Elton Dan and Friends, Uptown. $20-$25


Sunday November 28

Playboi Carti, Cable Dahmer Arena - Independence $29.95-$74.95

Nita Strauss, Uptown – Encore Room, $23.

The longtime guitarist for Alice Cooper (and before that, tribute band The Iron Maidens) plays a small venue that will allow one to see her formidable guitar skills, very up close.

2021-11-29 Baroness at Bottleneck Read More Baroness Due to popular demands, Baroness recently added a second show at Bar Fly (at the Skway Theatre). So now fans can get a chance to see the band on Friday or Saturday night. The Friday night show is sold out. …

Monday November 29

Baroness, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $60.   

Don’t be put off by the seemingly steep door charge to this show, as each ticket also includes a limited edition signed poster and the performance will feature two sets – the first, completely fan-voted and the second curated by the Georgia heavy metal band themselves.

We covered them last in 2016 and latest album is 2019’s Gold & Grey (on Abraxan Hymns Records), which they were previously set to tour with, but after a pandemic delay, are finally getting the chance to.  The album is produced by one of our favorites, frequent Flaming Lips collaborator, Dave Fridmann. 

Waterparks, The Truman. $28.50-$55 

You’ve got to admire this Houston trio for calling their new album, Greatest Hits (on 300 Entertainment) which came out in May and features newest single, “The Secret Life of Me”.  The hyperpop/rock band is playing to enthusiastic large crowds on their Night Out on Earth Tour with the album being so well received, its title might end up ringing completely true. 

The new record is a follow up to 2019’s FANDOM which hit #2 on Billboard’s Alternative Album Chart and you have to admire any group that releases a single honoring that childhood treat favorite, “Fruit Roll Ups”.  Phem and Zeph scheduled to open.


Tuesday November 30

Noah Kahan, The Truman. $22-$45

Purity Ring, Nov. 30, Granada. POSTPONED TO JUNE 13

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

Rocktober in KC - Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka - October 1-16, 2021

10/01: Avett Brothers at Azura   10/07: St Vincent at Grinders KC   10/07: Buddy Guy at Knuckleheads   10/08: Nation of Language at recordBar   Read More Nation of Language Brooklyn-based synth trio Nation of Language (singer/guitarist Ian Devaney, keyboardist Aidan Noell and bassist Michael Sue-Poi) recently released their single and video for “This Fractured Mind.” The single is from the ...

Read more Rocktober and Kansas City Music Guide.

Rocktober is upon us! 

What is usually the busiest time of the year for live shows, still is so, despite the continuing health restrictions and general lack of foreign acts coming over. 

It actually started getting busy in early September as more things open, and expect a wealth of choices through mid-November. 

Please continue to check venue sites and socials for their latest, as a few shows have canceled and many have moved locations– St. Vincent preferred an outdoor show, and the Granada Theater in Lawrence has had continuing maintenance and supply delays. 

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the first half of October

(a few recommended shows are highlighted below):

Friday October 1

The Avett Brothers, Azura Amphitheater. $44.50-$69.50

Slaughter with La Guns, Ameristar. $27-$140

Chase Atlantic, Moved to Liberty Hall Lawrence, $22.50/$25.

Sunday October 3

Machine Gun Kelly w JXDN and carolesdaughter, Azura Amphitheater. $68-$237

Casting Crowns w Matthew West, Stormont-Vail Event Center- Topeka $17-$97.

Tuesday October 5

Toadies w. Reverend Horton Heat, Frankie & The Witch Fingers,  Knuckleheads. $25-$30

Deep Sea Diver, RecordBar. $15

Badflower with Dead Poet Society and Teenage Wrist, Moved to The Bottleneck. $22

Rival Sons w/Reignwolf, Jameson Burt, The Truman. $29.50-$60

Ben Folds with Kansas City Symphony, Oct. 5-6, Kauffman Center. $50-$150

Wednesday October 6
Pitbull with Iggy Azalea, Starlight. $39.95-$149.95

Thursday October 7

City Morgue, Granada Theater- Lawrence. $20

Marc Rebillet, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $23-$33

Michael W. Smith, Folly. $25-$75

St. Vincent,  Moved to Grinders KC. $35-$75

We probably first saw aka Annie Clark when she was a member of Polyphonic Spree but things have dramatically evolved in the years since as she has skirted the art-pop fringe, and constantly re-invented herself in Bowie-like fashion.  The latest release is Daddy’s Home (on Loma Vista) which has a 70’s NYC vibe and was co-produced by Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff. 

Clark’s latest band includes the likes of Jason (Jellyfish, Beck, etc) Falkner so the music is in very good hands (note the venue change).

Buddy Guy, Knuckleheads, $62.50

The 85-year young guitar legend.  Nothing else can be said, and despite the hefty door charge, is always worth seeing play his trademark polka-dot guitar and you’re damn right he’s still got the blues. 

Friday October 8

He$H with Bommer and Zia, Granada. $15-$25

Jason Aldean with Hardy and Lainey Wilson, T-Mobile Center. $50-$325

Jelly Roll,  Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $25-$30

Nikki Glaser, Uptown. $39.75

Nation of Language, recordBar, $12.

10/09: Japanese Breakfast at Liberty Hall   10/13: Gojira at Midland KC   10/14: Madison Cunningham at Bottleneck   10/15: Steel Panther at Truman   10/16: Alice Cooper at Stormount   10/16: Andrea Bocelli at T-Mobile   Read More Japanese Breakfast Korean musician Japanese Breakfast (stagename for Michelle Zauner) headlined the mainroom at First Avenue, in Minneapolis, on September 19th, 2021, as part of her tour for Jubilee ...

Saturday October 9

Japanese Breakfast with Luna Li, Moved to Liberty Hall. $25

We remain longtime fans of aka Michelle Zauner, having previously seen her open for : Mitski at 7th Street in July 2016, Porches at 7th Street in Sep 2016, Slowdive at Palace Theatre in May 2017 and then finally headlining at Triple Rock in Oct 2017.  Vu just caught the band in Minneapolis here and the tour continues in support of the aptly-named new album, Jubilee (on Dead Oceans). Despite the pandemic, Zauner is probably having the most successful year to date with a best-selling book out as well. (Note the venue change)

Karrin Allyson, Folly. $20-$55

Marc Anthony,  T-Mobile Center. $64-$184

Primus with Black Mountain, GrindersKC. $37.50-$97

Sunday October 10

Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing with Hannah Jadagu, Granada. $25

Michigander w/ Kat King, RecordBar. $13
Carbon Leaf, Uptown Theater. $20

Monday October 11
Local H w Radkey, Record Bar  $15

Tuesday October 12

Rod Wave, Uptown.(Sold Out)

Erykah Badu,  Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $39.50-$170

Wednesday October 13

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness w/Zac Clark, The Truman. $35-$70

Gojira w/ Knocked Loose , Alien Weaponry, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland. $25-$50.

The French heavy metallers returnwith new album Fortitude (on Roadrunner Records) and became its best-selling album in the US on its first week and Louder Sound declaring it their best album.  Make sure to show up early for Knocked Loose, a Kentucky hardcore punk band whose latest, 2019’s A Different Shade of Blue (on Pure Noise) was a Top5 of the year choice for Revolver Magazine. 

Flipturn, Riot Room. $15
Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius, 1900 Building. $15-$25.

Thursday October 14

Madison Cunningham w/ S.G. Goodman, Bottleneck Lawrence, $18-$20.

The California singer/songwriter has a new EP, Wednesday (on Verve Forecast) in which she covers Tom Waits, Radiohead, John Mayer and The Beatles, and we caught her early on, opening in 2018. The folk-pop artist has a new single, “Broken Harvest” and deserves a listen.

The Front Bottoms, Granada Lawrence. $28

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Prairie Band Casino Mayetta, $30.

Friday October 15
Steel Panther, The Truman, $27.50-$55.

Hair metal will never die, an always entertaining foray into the glory days of the 80’s Sunset Strip era. Although longtime bassist Lexxi Foxx to form a new band, seasoned vocalist Michael Starr and guitarist Satchel, have been in the band more than twenty years.  Latest album from 2019 was called (what else but) Heavy Metal Rules.

Vicki Lawrence and Mama, Ameristar. $40-$145

Legends of Hip Hop feat. Juvenile, Mystikal, Scarface, 8Ball&MJG, Bun B, DJ Quik, Municipal Auditorium

David Ramirez, Matt Costa, Riot Room.

Saturday October 16

Alice Cooper w Ace Frehley, Stormont-Vail Event Center- Topeka, $25-90.

The legendary master of shock rock returns, along with the guitarist known for “Shock Me”.  Alice Cooper released Detroit Stories (on earMusic) earlier this year, named for the city that launched his band’s initial success and was recorded with Motor City musicians to bring a new freshness to a classic sound. We were lucky to see opener Ace Frehley when he played with Gene Simmons for the first time in sixteen years and expect a healthy number of Kiss songs as well as solo favorites. 

Andrea Bocelli, T-Mobile Center. $80-$1,500

One of the musical highlights of the pandemic was the Italian tenor performing on Easter Sunday, in an empty Milan cathedral. His latest album is last year’s Believe (on Sugar Music/Decca) which includes his version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” but hearing his angelic voice live won’t come cheap, with tickets topping in four-figures. 

Pokey LaFarge, Knuckleheads. $29.50

Preacher Lawson, Oct. 16, Ameristar. $20-$35

Liily, Riot Room.  

Alina Baraz, Oct. 16, Uptown - Cancelled

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

Starkey Hearing Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala at Rivercentre, St. Paul (15 July 2018)

W♥M275: Starkey Hearing Foundation (12 mins) W♥M274: Starkey Red Carpet (8 mins) Music/Entertainment Setlist The Tenors The Prayer Darci Lynne Farmer Who’s Loving You (Jackson 5 cover) The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra cover) / Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles cover) O Mio Babbino Caro w/ Petunia Paul Williams The Rainbow Connection The Tenors Forever Young (Bob Dylan cover) Gloria Gaynor Never Can Say Goodbye I Will Survive Sinbad Sinbad - stand-up set Don Felder Hotel California Alice Cooper/Don Felder/Robbie Krieger No More Mr. Nice Guy I’m Eighteen Five to One / Break on Through (The Doors covers) Brown Sugar (The Rolling Stones cover) School’s Out /Another Brick in the Wall Pt 2 (Pink Floyd cover) Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Once again, on a Sunday July afternoon, St. Paul became Tinseltown if only for an evening as the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s So The World May Hear 18th Annual Gala, in support ... Alice Cooper Rock icon Alice Cooper is bringing his incredibly live show to Mankato’s Vetter Stone Amphitheater this Friday, June 9th. We caught Cooper & Co earlier in December 2015 and said, “Alice Cooper shows … Gloria Gaynor Grammy-awarding winning singer and disco queen Gloria Gaynor; winner of Season 12 of America’s Got Talent Darci Lynne Farmer … The Tenors International vocal group The Tenors, but wanted to first showcase the red carpet arrivals and the numerous celebrity attendees that showed their support. … Paul Williams The music is written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams. Ascher was best known for his keyboard and arrangements on John Lennon's album Walls and Bridges and Yoko Ono's A Story. …

The gift of hearing--

It’s one of the five senses many of us take for granted, but to those that are without it, the chance to gain (or re-gain in some cases) that vital gift, brings a feeling of utter joy that becomes difficult to fully express.  Starkey Foundation’s 18th Annual So the World May Hear Awards Gala held at the Rivercentre ballroom in St. Paul, celebrated that precious gift and honored several dignitaries for their own similar humanitarian works.

The annual benefit, which supports the Foundation’s community-based hearing healthcare programs and other global strategic initiatives, filled the upstairs main ballroom with 1,500 supporters and donors for a memorable evening that informed, entertained, enlightened, and thrilled. 

The annual formal gala is the centerpiece of Starkey’s year-long campaign to grow the Foundation’s international life-changing missions and domestically, its Hear Now program continues to provide hearing devices to those in need as well.

We previously showed you the star-studded red carpet arrivals; now, we want to focus on the gala itself and its many memorable music performances.

A silent auction of all types of memorabilia and items greeted supporters in the upstairs lobby and the doors soon opened to a full orchestra playing with dinner being served at the numerous ten-person tables. The evening got off to a slightly rocky start, beginning late with the traditional opening of an American bald eagle, set to fly above the crowd to land on his trainer’s arm on a platform on the other side of the room, not quite happening as expected. 

That proved to be comic gold for returning host and emcee Sinbad, who made light of things and reassured everyone that all was ok, promising a fun and entertaining evening.  Canadian trio The Tenors made a return appearance to the gala, themselves just recently back from one of Starkey’s transformative missions in Zambia, to open the evening with their hit, ‘The Prayer’. 

Bayat Foundation co-founders Dr. Ehsan Bayat and Mrs. Fatima Laya Bayat were honored for their work on behalf of in-need Afghans, before the next performer to the stage was ventriloquist and entertainer Darci Lynne Farmer. The thirteen year-old won season12 of America’s Got Talent and brought with her, puppet Oscar, a Motown-loving mouse to sing a Jackson 5 cover, pulled a couple from the audience to have them croon on cue as human puppets, and thoroughly impressed as she and her rabbit puppet Petunia, sang a classic Italian opera.

Elton John sent a long a short film before songwriter/actor Paul Williams was honored, the grateful philanthropist even sang his trademark Muppet hit, The Rainbow Connection’.  Actor Forest Whitaker then spoke about his own foundation’s peacebuilding initiatives and after a short film set in Dubai, former President Bill Clinton electrified the room with a stirring and inspirational mostly-improvised speech. 

The Tenors then returned to the stage for a soaring version of a classic from Minnesota native Bob Dylan before Starkey Foundation’s Bill Austin gave a humble and emotional address about being the best you are, and giving back. 

The auction then got underway, with tablets on each table to enabling a click-to-donate feature, as well as the chance to accompany the Starkey team on mission experiences to far-flung lands as a life-changing opportunity to provide the gift of hearing to those in need. Comedian Billy Crystal assisted in the proceedings with honoree Paul Williams even donated the opportunity to have him compose a unique song of your own choosing. 

The second half of the evening began with a dancing start as Grammy-winning singer Gloria Gaynor emerged for a too short two-song set, including of course, her disco-era anthem, ‘I Will Survive’, “We’re all speaking the language of love tonight” Gaynor said, introducing the classic song. Lin-Manuel Miranda sent along a video, apologizing that commitments left him unable to attend, also praising Starkey’s efforts with his own foundation, to aid in still weather-stricken Puerto Rico. 

Alice Cooper came out early to help honor his longtime manager, chef, and humanitarian Shep Gordon and then Sinbad returned for a longer, often hilarious stand-up set, riffing on everything from a possible downside of restoring hearing, going through airports, compression socks, and even taking a few questions from the audience. 

Billy Crystal spoke to honor his friend and Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver and then amps were turned up and all eyes turned to the left side of the main stage for the evening’s closing musical performance.

“Anybody recognize this guitar?” four-time Grammy Award winning ex-guitarist for The Eagles, Don Felder asked, holding up his signature double neck before strumming the recognizable first chords of ‘Hotel California’’.  Felder then introduced Cooper, and he and the band dove straight into ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’, accompanied by the legendary guitarist from The Doors, Robbie Krieger.

‘I’m Eighteen’ was the result of Cooper’s manager, Gordon saying they needed a song that would make every parent hate him (which worked) then Cooper and Krieger briefly recalled their wilder drinking days together, before a sizzling Doors medley of ‘Five to One/Break on Through’, punctuated by a signature Krieger solo.

“You can dance a little bit on this song” Cooper said, jokingly remarking Paul Williams wrote it, as the band roared into the Stones’ ‘Brown Sugar’-  “there’s a little Mick Jagger in all of us”, Cooper exclaimed. Aware of their audience, the band invited a few of the evening’s highest donors (dubbed The Cooper-ettes by Alice) to come up on stage to help sing ‘School’s Out’, which melded the anthemic chorus of a Pink Floyd classic, to make for a thrilling finish. 

But, contrary to what Cooper sang in those time-honored space rock lyrics, while we can do without the thought control, we still do need the education- the education on this night coming in the form of inspiring stories of giving; restoring a person’s hearing and in turn, their dignity; and the priceless feeling of giving back.  Starkey Foundation’s 18th Annual Awards Gala reaffirmed those and more, in a celebration of their simple but very effective mission – So The World May Hear.

Tim Shriver

Tim Shriver

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton

Bayat Foundation

Bayat Foundation

Bayat Foundation

Brady Forseth

Shep Gordon

Shep Gordon

Darci Lynne

Darci Lynne

Darci Lynne

Sinbad

Bill Austin

Bill Austin

Auction: Billy Crystal, Brady Forseth

Tenors

Tenors

Tenors

Tenors

Billy Crystal

Paul Williams

Paul Williams

Forest Whittaker

Forest Whittaker

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor

Don Felder

Don Felder

Don Felder

Don Felder

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper with Robbie Krieger

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper at Starkey Hearing Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala at Rivercentre, St. Paul (15 July 2018)

john + vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Starkey Hearing Foundation18th Annual Awards Gala - Red Carpet at Rivercentre, St. Paul (15 July 2018)

W♥M275: Starkey Hearing Foundation (12 mins) Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrities, sports figures, and dignitaries all descended on St Paul over the weekend to attend The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a...

Once again, on a Sunday July afternoon, St. Paul became Tinseltown if only for an evening as the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s So The World May Hear 18th Annual Gala, in support of accelerating the pace and scope of Starkey Hearing Foundation missions, and locally helping to support grants for area nonprofits, took place at the Rivercentre.

This year’s honorees included Shep Gordon- Award-winning producer & philanthropist, longtime entertainment manager, chef, and subject of the Mike Myers documentary, Supermensch; Dr. Timothy P. Shriver- Chairman of Special Olympics and author; Ehsan & Fatema Laya Bayat of The Bayat Foundation which lends assistance to in-need Afghans; and Paul Williams- longtime Starkey supporter, composer, singer, songwriter & philanthropist. Playwright and musical composer Lin-Manuel Miranda was also honored, though unable to attend. 

We’ll have full coverage for the gala itself shortly, which was hosted once again by comedian Sinbad and included musical performances from legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and his band which included guest appearances from ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder and Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger; Grammy-awarding winning singer and disco queen Gloria Gaynor; winner of Season 12 of America’s Got Talent Darci Lynne Farmer; and international vocal group The Tenors, but wanted to first showcase the red carpet arrivals and the numerous celebrity attendees that showed their support.

Among the additional guests were:

42^nd President of the United States Bill Clinton; comedian and author Billy Crystal; Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker; Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side); singer Portia Clark, Davina Bennett; TV personality Diane McInerney; announcer Alan Kalter; actors Frankie Muniz, (Malcolm in the Middle) and Kyle Massey; and musicians Huey Lewis, Arthur Brown, vocal group ARIA, and Rohan Marley.

Boxers Evander Holyfield and Andre Berto; NBA’s Cole Aldrich, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Ron Harper, Ralph Sampson; NFL’s Kyle Rudolph, Andrew Sendajo, Ray Lewis, Ahmad Rashad, Greg Jennings, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, , Derrick Coleman, Robert Smith; NHL’s David Backes; MLB’s Justin Morneau; ESPN’s John Brenkus and Paralympian Mallory Weggemann.

Dr Timothy Shriver

Billy Crystal

Kyle Massey and Hana Giraldo

Huey Lewis

Portia Clark

Paul Williams

Quinton Aaron

Billy Crystal

John Brenkus

Ray Lewis

Justin Morneau

Darci Lynne

David Backes

Davina Bennett

Derrick Coleman Jr

Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Don Felder and Diane McInerney

Shep Gordon

Ahmad Rashad and Huey Lewis

Sinbad

Robert Smith

Ralph Sampson

Cole Aldrich

Arthur Brown

Andrew Sendeja

ARIA

Ahmad Rashad and Huey Lewis

Alan Kalter

Tani Austin

The Tenors

Evander Holyfield

Alice Cooper at Starkey Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala, St. Paul (15 July 2018)

john + vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

W♥M274: Starkey Hearing Foundation Red Carpet

W♥M274: Starkey Red Carpet (8 mins) Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrities, sports figures, and dignitaries all descended on St Paul over the weekend to attend The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a...

Vu and John was at the red carpet event for the The Starkey Hearing Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala

We quickly talked to a few celebrities:

Cole Aldrich and his NBA prospect and missing Verne Troyer

Arthur Brown first time at Starkey, and said he would possibly perform with Alice Cooper

Robby Krieger, guitarist for The Doors, said he would be performing with Cooper

Legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper talked about his work with Starkey, “Knowing you’re going to be playing in front of 150,000 people ... and yet that’s the high point. The high point was doing the clinics. And fitting the ear things in, and snipping it, and putting it in and testing it, and watching that person hearing for the first time. Especially a little kid or a really old person. Listening to their grandchildren for the first time. That’s just amazing. Sometime there’s not a dry eye in the house, ‘cause you know, you’re a tough guy and that doesn’t matter. That’s an amazing thing.”

Song of the show: Alice Cooper’ “School’s Out” (live).

Alice Cooper on tour:

08/03/2018 Wisconsin State Fair Grandstand West Allis, WI
08/05/2018 Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science Sioux Falls, SD
08/06/2018 Kauffman Center Kansas City, MO
08/08/2018 Pikes Peak Center Colorado Springs, CO
08/10/2018 Pearl Concert Theater Las Vegas, NV
08/11/2018 Pechanga Resort & Casino Temecula, CA
08/12/2018 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA
08/14/2018 City National Civic San Jose, CA
08/15/2018 Jackson Rancheria Jackson, CA
08/16/2018 Grand Theatre Reno, NV
08/18/2018 KettleHouse Amphitheater Missoula, MT
08/19/2018 Angel Of The Winds Arena Everett, WA
08/20/2018 Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC
08/22/2018 Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB
08/23/2018 Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
08/25/2018 SaskTel Centre Saskatoon, SK
08/26/2018 Affinity Place Estevan, SK
08/28/2018 Burton Cummings Theatre Winnipeg, MB
08/29/2018 Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Thunder Bay, ON
08/30/2018 Ordway Center For The Perf. Arts Saint Paul, MN
09/01/2018 Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Fort Wayne, IN
09/02/2018 Rose Music Center Huber Heights, OH
09/04/2018 Taft Theatre Cincinnati, OH
09/06/2018 Beacon Theatre New York, NY
09/07/2018 York Fair Grandstand York, PA
09/08/2018 Tropicana Atlantic City Atlantic City, NJ
10/04/2018 Palace Theatre Albany, NY
10/05/2018 Palace Theater Waterbury, CT
10/06/2018 Oncenter Crouse-Hinds Syracuse, NY
10/08/2018 Duke Energy Center Raleigh, NC
10/09/2018 Ovens Auditorium Charlotte, NC
10/10/2018 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Atlanta, GA
10/12/2018 Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Aud. Chattanooga, TN
10/13/2018 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS
10/14/2018 White Oak Music Hall Houston, TX
10/16/2018 Toyota Music Factory Irving, TX
10/17/2018 Hartman Arena Wichita, KS
10/19/2018 Orpheum Theatre Memphis, TN
10/20/2018 Peabody Opera House St. Louis, MO
10/21/2018 Paramount Theatre Cedar Rapids, IA
10/23/2018 Des Moines Civic Center Des Moines, IA
10/24/2018 Coronado Performing Arts Center Rockford, IL
10/26/2018 Stage AE Pittsburgh, PA
10/27/2018 W.D. Packard Music Hall Warren, OH
10/29/2018 DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids, MI

--
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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com. Recording of this podcast was made possible by Skype, MP3 Skype Recorder, and Audacity.

W♥M273: Animal Years / Eels (07 June 2018) Vu, John W♥M272: SXSW 2018 (25 March 2018) Vu, Brody, Kanine Records, Music for Listeners W♥M271: Super Bowl (22 February 2018) Vu, John W♥M270: MN Fan Fest 2017 (28 August 2017) Vu, John W♥M269: Minnesota Fan Fest (19-20 Aug 2017) (13 August 2017) Vu, John W♥M268: Wonder Woman/George Perez (bonus audio) (13 August 2017) Vu, John

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Event Preview: The Starkey Hearing Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala

About Starkey Hearing Foundation Our mission, "So the World May Hear," is about bringing understanding between people through caring and sharing. We believe caring develops trust and by sharing we find our humanity. We believe by growing engagement in this cause that we can increase tolerance and respect for life. Our goal is to pursue our mission with commitment so that future generations can live in a world with more caring and Peace. For more information about Starkey Hearing Foundation, visit starkeyhearingfoundation.org Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrities, sports figures, and dignitaries all descended on St Paul over the weekend to attend The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a...

So The World May Hear—

Saint Paul’s Rivercentre rolls out the Hollywood-style red carpet this Sunday for one of the most anticipated events of the year, The Starkey Hearing Foundation 18th Annual Awards Gala.

The So The World May Hear Awards Gala is one of the most acclaimed fundraising events in the country and the evening will not only inspire with thought-provoking honorees and must-see performers, but will also celebrate those who accelerate Starkey Hearing Foundation’s mission to provide more hearing aids, raise more awareness, and connect more people with their families and communities.

This year’s honorees include Lin-Manuel Miranda (Composer, lyricist & actor); Shep Gordon (Award-winning producer, chef & philanthropist); Dr. Timothy P. Shriver (Chairman of Special Olympics); Ehsan & Fatema Laya Bayat (Bayat Foundation); and Paul Williams (Composer, singer, songwriter & philanthropist).  

The evening’s entertainment, hosted once more by emcee/comedian Sinbad, will also include exclusive performances by Gloria Gaynor (Grammy award-winning artist and disco queen); Alice Cooper (shock-rock pioneering singer, songwriter); The Tenors (international vocal group); Darci Lynne Farmer (Winner of Season 12 of America's Got Talent) as well as other surprises. 

The gala itself is anticipated to generate more than $9 million, which will accelerate the pace and scope of Starkey Hearing Foundation missions and locally. Proceeds will also support grants for local and regional nonprofits.

Numerous other local and international celebrities are expected to appear as well and we'll be there to document the fun and very worthwhile evening.  

A public area outside the Rivercentre is available to view the Red Carpet arrivals as well.

Limited availability for the Gala remains, with ticket and participation opportunities available here: starkeyhearingfoundation.org/gala

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

Minneapolis: June 9 to June 13, 2017

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from June 9 to June 13, 2017.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Alice Cooper A classic Vincent Price introduction led to the curtain fall and a canvas backdrop of a close-up of Alice Cooper’s eyes as the shock rocker and band launched into the opening ‘Black Widow’ of its too-short 50 minute set. …

ALICE COOPER
at Vetter Stone Amphitheater
Friday 06/09/17 (6:30pm/$39)
verizonwirelesscentermn.com

Rock icon Alice Cooper is bringing his incredibly live show to Mankato’s Vetter Stone Amphitheater this Friday, June 9th. We caught Cooper & Co earlier in December 2015 and said, “Alice Cooper shows no signs of slowing down, and the spirit of Halloween will again swoop in, the next time he plays here.”

If that date doesn’t work for you, he’s also playing the Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Cooper’s forthcoming album Paranormal will be out July 28th on earMUSIC.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR:

Jun 07 - Fox Cities Perf Arts Center - Appleton, WI
Jun 08 - Grand Casino - Hinckley, MN
Jun 09 - Vetter Stone Amph - Mankato, MN
Jun 12 - Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
Jun 13 - Kingsbury Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 16 - Thunder Valley Casino - Lincoln, CA
Jun 17 - Cuthbert Amphitheatre - Eugene, OR
Jun 18 - Pepsi Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Jun 20 - Rabobank Theater - Bakersfield, CA
Jun 21 - Pechanga Theater - Temecula, CA
Jun 22 - AVA Amphitheater - Tucson, AZ
Jun 24 - KLAQ Streetfest - El Paso, TX

WITH DEEP PURPLE:

Aug 12 - Chelsea Theater - Las Vegas, NV
Aug 13 - The Greek - Los Angeles, CA
Aug 15 - AK Chin Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Aug 16 - Isletta Amphitheatre - Albuquerque, NM
Aug 18 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pav - Houston, TX
Aug 19 - Gexa Energy Pavilion - Dallas, TX
Aug 21 - Chastain Park Amph - Atlanta, GA
Aug 23 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
Aug 24 - BB&T Pavilion - Camden, NJ
Aug 26 - Nikon - Wantagh, NY
Aug 27 - Xfinity Center - Boston, MA
Aug 28 P.N.C. Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
Aug 30 - Klipsch Amphitheater - Indianapolis, IN
Sept 01 - KeyBank Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA
Sept 02 - Molson Canadian Amph - Toronto, ON
Sept 03 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI
Sept 06 - Hollywood Casino Amph - Chicago, IL
Sept 08 - Hollywood Casino Amph - St. Louis, MO
Sept 09 - Blossom Music Center - Cleveland, OH
Sept 10 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH

Read More Tuxedo The funk duo Tuxedo (Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One) is releasing their self-titled debut release via Stones Throw Records... the duo is throwing their record ....

TUXEDO
at Fine Line Music Cafe
Monday 06/12/17 (7:30pm/$20)
finelinemusic.com

Tuxedo is the collaboration of Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One. If you like any of these artist, the Tuxedo show cannot be missed! Their second record Tuxedo II (Stones Throw Records) features new single ‘Thank You’.

If the new single sounds polished, Hawthorne explains, “The sound really clicked towards the end of recording the first album. This time around we just did it better. It’s like Empire Strikes Back where you already know the characters and you can get straight to the action.”

Special guest King Otto to open.

Tour Dates:

6/2 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
6/3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
6/5 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
6/8 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
6/9 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
6/10 - Detroit, MI @ Detroit Music Hall
6/12 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
6/13 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
6/15 - Ann Arbor, MI @ Sonic Lunch
6/23 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
6/24 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory

Read More Cloud Cult As for Cloud Cult, the band's live energy is fun to watch. Personally, I would've liked to have them start with "The Show Starts Now" …

Other shows in the area:

06/09/17 Progressive metal band Tool will be headlining the Xcel Energy Center in St Paul this Friday. Once & Future Band to open. 6:30pm, $75.

06/09/17 New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Maggie Koerner to play Turf Club in St Paul on Friday. AirLANDS to open. 8pm, $10.

06/09/17 The hardest working band in America (averaging 250 shows a year), Chicago’s Marbin will stop by the Icehouse. Generally, these shows start late because of the restaurant business, so note doors opens at 11pm. New Sound Underground to close out the show. 11pm, $8.

06/09/17 Local favorites Cloud Cult will be playing Northrop. They are playing the full score to their award winning film, plus a second set (so no room for an opening band). 7pm, $30.

06/10/17 Old Crow Medicine Show is playing the Palace Theatre in St Paul on Saturday. They are performing Bob Dylan’s Blonde On Blonde in its entirety. 7pm, $35.

06/11/17 Los Angeles’ Moonchild is playing Studio B at Skyway Theatre, in support of their new record Voyager. 8pm, $12.

06/13/17 Sean Rowe is playing Turf Club in St Paul. His new album New Lore is available now on Anti- Records. Jimmy Lumpkin to open. 8pm, $13.

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

Hollywood Vampires, John Mellencamp and more at Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala, St Paul (17 July 2016)

John Mellencamp Setlist Pink Houses Stones in My Passway (Robert Johnson cover) Save Some Time to Dream Jack and Diane Hollywood Vampires Setlist Intro/ Raise the Dead Pinball Wizard (The Who cover) My Generation (The Who cover) Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith cover) School's Out / Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd cover) The Tenors Setlist Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) Funiculì, Funiculà Elvis Medley: Suspicious Minds / Always on my Mind/ O Sole Mio / It's Now or Never/ Can't Help Falling in Love with You Nessun Dorma Trent Harmon Setlist Stand By Me (Ben E. King cover) Tennessee Whiskey Maddie and Tae Setlist Fly John Mellencamp Tour Dates 09/17/16 Bristow, VA "Farm Aid" 10/11/16 Worcester, MA Hanover Theatre 10/12/16 Utica, NY Stanley Center 10/14/16 Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center 10/15/16 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel, Casino 10/18/16 Hershey, PA Hershey Theatre 10/19/16 Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre 10/21/16 Toledo, OH Stranahan Theater 10/22/16 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Niagara Resort 10/25/16 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre 10/26/16 Richmond, KY EKU Center For The Arts 10/28/16 Columbia, MO Jesse Auditorium 10/30/16 Ames, IA Stephens Auditorium 11/01/16 Lincoln, NE Lied Center 11/02/16 Sioux Falls, SD Washington Pavilion 11/04/16 Grand Forks, ND Chester Fritz Auditorium Hollywood Vampires Tour Dates 07/22/16 Rohnert Park, CA Weill Hall 07/23/16 Jacksonville, OR "Britt Festivals" 07/24/16 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery 07/25/16 Paso Robles, CA California Mid-State Fair The Tenors Tour Dates 07/29/16 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre 07/30/16 Saratoga, CA Mountain Winery 12/11/16 Newark, NJ Prudential Hall Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Not in the sky, but actually were on hand for The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a record $9.5 million dollars to accelerate the pace ....

In terms of the senses, hearing is likely the most critical for any musician,

And so, it makes sense that so many musicians, as well as celebrities, sports figures, and dignitaries all descended on St Paul over the weekend to attend The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a record $9.5 million dollars to accelerate the pace and scope of Starkey Hearing Foundation missions and locally help to support grants for area nonprofits.

Previously, we covered the red carpet and arrivals; now, we want to focus on the gala itself and its many memorable music performances.

With a full orchestra on hand, the program began promptly at 5:30 in a large upstairs ballroom with the attendees enjoying their dinner and drinks at ten-person tables.  An introductory video was shown (with numerous celebrity cameos) to get the festivities started and then Canadian group The Tenors sang their version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, complete with an eagle flying over the onlooking crowd.

Usually a quartet, the operatic group has for now slimmed down to a trio, the result of fallout from an unexpected verse (by a now former member) during the Canadian national anthem earlier in the week at the MLB All-Star Game, which resulted in his expulsion.

Comedian Jay Leno got things going with a few jokes, and several videos of Starkey mission trips were shown, where people young and old, were seen receiving the benefits of this ever-constant humanitarian program. Executive director and co-founder of PACER, Paula F. Goldberg was then honored and included an impassionate plea against bullying, in her acceptance speech.

Hollywood Vampires members Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp took to the podium to describe their mission experience with the Foundation, while the band was on tour playing Rock in Rio in Brazil as well as Lisbon.  Depp joked about the road life, saying “I went to sleep in Detroit and woke up next to a Charlie Brown statue in St. Paul” and Cooper mentioned that seeing children, parents and grandparents hear for the first time, was truly the highpoint of their touring.

Jay Leno then returned for a full comedy routine, covering politics, everyday life, his older technology, and getting older during his twenty-five minute routine, which closed with a “Minnesota hunting joke”.  The most recent American Idol winner Trent Harmon was next, playing a soulful version of ‘Stand By Me’, followed by his own original, ‘Tennessee Whiskey”.

Country duo Maddie and Tae prefaced their lone (but appropriate) song, ‘Fly’, from last year’s Start Here (on Republic Records) with a story of sponsoring a recent video contest to promote hearing awareness among the nation’s high schools.

Starkey founder Bill Austin centered his Founder’s speech on a Civil War officer saving his descendent, making the point of the difference that a single person can make, followed by a forty-minute auction segment (which raised the majority of funds for the evening), including even a mission to Jamaica, taking place at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios.

All-star band Hollywood Vampires roared out of the gate next, for a loud and energetic half-hour that no doubt vibrated the wine glasses of every table near the front, making many reach for the complimentary ear plugs on each table.

In addition to Cooper and Depp, the band was ably rounded out by STP bassist Robert DeLeo, G’nR/Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum, Bruce Witkin, and from Cooper’s band, Tommy Henriksen, with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry still missing since an on-stage collapse the previous weekend at Coney Island.

After playing a pair of Who covers, Depp had to fill in on the talkbox for Perry on ‘Sweet Emotion’ and the group ended with Cooper’s own, ‘School’s Out’. “If you don’t know this song, you were never a teenager”, Depp quipped to the tuxedo and ball gown crowd.

Immediately following, Depp’s guitar was auctioned for $60,000 to a lucky bidder, with a competing bidder also winning a signed guitar for the same donation amount.

Right Honourable Tony Blair (UK Prime Minister 1997-07) was honored following, breaking the ice by admitting he always wanted to be Alice Cooper and expanded on his work with the Africa Governance Initiative, in furthering development on the continent.

The Tenors returned with more gusto, weaving through the crowd for ‘Funiculì, Funiculà’ before returning to the stage for a swinging Elvis medley that included ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘It’s Now or Never’ and ended with a larynx-stretching version of the operatic classic, ‘Nessun Dorma’.

Jennifer Garner seemed genuinely humbled and awestruck for being honored as an advocate for early childhood education and trustee for Save the Children, and singer John Mellencamp (who arrived late enough to miss any red carpet) closed out the evening with a four-song, twenty minute set starting with classic, ‘Pink Houses’.

Playing with longtime guitarist Mike Wanchic, Violinist Miriam Sturm, and two background singers, the intimate set continued with bluesman Robert Johnson’s ‘Stones in My Passway’, rich with Wanchic’s slide guitar work. Mellencamp then stepped back to let his singers take the vocals for ‘Save Some Time to Dream’ because “their voices deliver a lot better than my old raspy voice”, he said. 

The all-American ‘Jack and Diane’ ended the set (and evening) with many up out of their chairs waving hands above heads and singing along to the stripped down, slower version.

“If you want a better world, it starts with you”, Mellencamp said, leaving the stage, managing to casually encompass the message of the night in one short sentence.  Using hearing as a vehicle to change lives around the world, the Starkey Foundation embodies Mellencamp’s statement, providing a gift to so many, “So the World May Hear”.

Photo Gallery:

The Tenors

The Tenors

Paula F Goldberg

Jay Leno

Bill Austin

The Tenors at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Tony Blair

Jennifer Garner

John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

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

Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala (Red Carpet) at Rivercentre, St. Paul (17 July 2016)

Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Saint Paul’s Rivercentre  rolls out the red carpet this coming Sunday for one of the most anticipated events of the year, The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala. ....

With a nearly full moon in the sky (94% full, to be exact and called waxing gibbous for all you science-types), the stars were out at the Rivercentre in St. Paul –

Not in the sky, but actually were on hand for The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala, which generated a record $9.5 million dollars to accelerate the pace and scope of Starkey Hearing Foundation missions and locally help to support grants for area nonprofits.

This year’s Award honorees included actress Jennifer Garner, advocate for early childhood education and trustee for Save the Children, Paula F. Goldberg, executive director and co-founder of PACER for making a lifeline for parents of children and young adults with all disabilities, and Right Honourable Tony Blair for his relentless belief in the future of Africa.

We’ll have full coverage for the gala itself shortly, which included brief musical performances from Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp); singer-songwriter John Mellencamp; country duo Maddie & Tae; The Tenors; and American Idol winner Trent Harmon, but wanted to first showcase the red carpet arrivals and the numerous celebrity attendees that showed their support.

Among the additional guests were:

Former astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Charles Duke; the first deaf winner of America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with The Stars winner Nyle DiMarco; Miss World America 2016 Audra Mari; actors Cedric The Entertainer, Michael Madsen, Verne Troyer, Barry Bostwick, Frankie Muniz and Kyle and Christopher Massey; The Blind Side actor Quinton Aaron, Austin & Ally actress Laura Marano, Gilmore Girls actress Vanessa Marano; Ray Donovan actor Steven Bauer; entrepreneur Rohan Marley; Minnesota Vikings player Kyle Rudolph, and legend Carl Eller; Boxing legend Evander Holyfield; boxer Andre Berto; Paralympian Mallory Weggeman; Arizona Cardinals players Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd; MLB Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, Rollie Fingers; pitcher Barry Zito; Minnesota Timberwolves’ Cole Aldrich; NBA champion Ron Harper and Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson.

Photo Gallery:

Carl Eller

Ralph Sampson

Charles Duke

Buzz Aldrin

Barry Bostwick

Tony Blair at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Barry Zito

Rollie Fingers

Steven Bauer

Paula F Goldberg with Bill and Tani Austin

Frankie Muniz

Jay Leno at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Massey Brothers with the Austins

Mallory Weggemann

Evander Holyfield

Murano Sisters

Michael Madsen with Bill Austin

Cedric the Entertainer at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Dave Winfield

Rohan Marley w sports stars

Cole Aldrich

Maddie and Tae

Verne Troyer

Jennifer Garner at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

Quinton Aaron

Nyle DiMarco

The Tenors

Kyle Rudolph

Audra Mari

Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp at The Starkey Hearing Foundation 16th Annual Awards Gala (17 July 2016)

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