W♥M

We♥KC - April 4-11, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Open for business!

Concert season looks to be in full swing and it’s been especially great to see UK and international acts finally make it over, to play previously postponed dates. 

The pandemic and recent deaths like Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters and Tom Parker of The Wanted should show us to try and see our favorite bands while we still can, instead of saying to “just wait for the next tour”.

Recent show announcements to the area include Sheryl Crow, Imagine Dragons, Halestorm/The Pretty Reckless, Courtney Barnett and The National, so start saving those pennies. 

(Despite some health mandates loosening up, several artists are still requiring for entry, so check with the venue and/or better to assume vaccination proof and/or masks may be required)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence area for the First Week of APRIL:

04/06 Ben Folds at Liberty Hall Read More Ben Folds Five I recently found out that Ben Folds will be releasing a brand new album called So There, slated for release on September 11th... with a November tour date to follow! …

Monday April 4take a nap

Tuesday April 5read a book

Wednesday April 6
Ministry w Melvins and Corrosion of Conformity, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland,  $39.50-$45

A solid triple-bill, headlined by the mighty industrial legends Ministry, with frontman Al Jourgenson still kicking it.  Latest album is Moral Hygiene out last fall (on Nuclear Blast) and the first to feature Tool’s original bass player, Paul D’Amour.

Live, they may slip in a track or two from side projects 1000 Homo DJs and Pailhead as well and you might hear a Stooges and/or Red Kross cover this night too. 

Ben Folds, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $45-$99

The piano frontman is out on his cheekily-named “In Actual Person Live for Real Tour” in a mix of solo piano and orchestral shows (St. Louis got the orch, Lawrence gets solo after the 2021 KC Symphony date was off).  Folds is additionally working on a new album, has a successful podcast, Lightning Bugs, and is scheduled to start taping a TV series. 

We remember seeing him way back in the mid-90’s on the first Ben Folds Five tour, and actually helped him load his piano into their small U-Haul trailer on a cold Kansas City night after their show at The Hurricane.

04/07 alt-J at Cable Dahmer Arena Read More alt-J (∆) British band Alt-J (∆) have been consistently selling out all their Minnesota appearance, and their special Halloween show at the Myth Nightclub is no less. Typically Halloween shows are amazing .… 04/07 Lawrence at Granada Read More Lawrence New York’s brother/sister act Lawrence (not to be confused with Lawrence, Kansas), got an upgrade in venue from the smaller Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St Paul, to the big mainroom of First Avenue …

Thursday April 7
alt-J w Portugal. The Man, Cherry Glazerr, Sir Chlor, Cable Dahmer Arena- Independence $53.50-$83.50

The London group is back with fourth album, The Dream, and a co-headlining Dream Tour,  a decade after the breakout success of debut album, An Awesome Wave. 

We’ve seen them live a handful of times, starting with that first US Tour in 2012 and have always been amazed by their loyal fan base. Their Halloween 2014 show performed in full Kiss makeup was especially fun. 

We’re fans of Wasila, Alaska (since Portland-based) band Portugal.The Man as well (and despite their punctuation), having seen them last in 2016.  Newest single is the Alfred E. Newman-inspired “What, Me Worry?” in addition to a streaming live album last year, and song collab with Weird Al, the year before. 

Lawrence, Granada. $20

Lawrence...IN Lawrence?!- this is perfect!  The eight-piece group (led by siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence) is actually from New York City, and plays mostly soul-pop music with some hints of funk, R&B, and rock and roll, and has had a recent hit with single, “Don’t Lose Sight”.

In concert, they’ve played Annie, Nickelodeon, Sean Paul, and NSYNC covers, so you know it will be a fun time.  Hotel TV is their new and third album, out last summer.

Frank Caliendo (comedian), Prairie Band Casino- Mayetta, $45-$50

No one does a better and funnier John Madden impersonation. 

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Uptown. $35-$99

We last caught the veteran blues gunslinger live in 2013, when he played with Peter Frampton and Jeff Lukather. Expect to hear a good amount of tracks from 1997’s Trouble Is… as he and the KWS Band are celebrating its 25^th anniversary. 

Five Grammy nominations, nine #1’s on the Blues charts and two Billboard Awards speak to his still-growing legacy. 

04/08 Grandson at Granada Read More Grandson Nothing But Thieves + Grandson, Demob Happy First Avenue Fri 09/14/2018 (8pm/$20) Critically acclaimed U.K.-based band Nothing But Thieves is back in Minneapolis, in support of their forthcoming new 4-track EP .…

Friday April 8
Grandson with Royal & The Serpent, Granada. $22

The Toronto alt-rap/rock singer-songwriter is getting even bigger after his 2020 debut album, Death of an Optimist.  Since then, he’s also collab’ed with the likes of Tom Morello, Steve Aoki, Kesha, and Travis Barker, among many others. 

Opening is aka Ryan Santiago who released a third EP in January and she also lent her vocals on the Gayle current smash radio hit, “ABCDEFU”.

Iliza Shlesinger(comedian),  Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $35-$65

The Last Comic Standing winner has taped four Netflix specials and just released her second book is out on her “Back in Action” Tour.

Jantsen, Madrid. $25-$45

Expect the walls to shake - Boulder, CO DJ Jantsen has devised his signature sound over the past decade, drawing influences from across the musical spectrum to bring life into EDM bass music.

04/09 Girl Talk at The Truman Read More Girl Talk Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) just teamed up with Philadelphia rapper Freeway to bring you their collaborative EP, Broken Ankles. The EP will be out sometime this Fall (album artwork not released yet). .… 04/09 The Greeting Committee at Uptown Read More The Greeting Committee Join Kansas City’s The Greeting Committee on their first-ever North American headlining tour at the 7th Street Entry this Tuesday, June 11th. The band opened up for MisterWives in June 2017. …

Saturday April 9
Girl Talk, The Truman. $25-$30

DJ and sample-obsessed producer (aka Gregg Gillis) and his computer are back on the road.  Expect participation, sweaty dancing, and basically the entire audience on stage all dancing along.

Penny and Sparrow, recordBar,  $22-$25

Olly Olly! This Alabama soft-folk duo hit the road to show off the musical yin/yang of their relationship.  Sixth album title Finch, is a nod to Charles Darwin and the pair even have their own whiskey, Oak & Eden, so maybe a shot or two on stage. 

Shooting Star, Ameristar, $20-$35

Hang On for your life tonight! The Midwest’s premier shoulda-been-huge classic rock band hits the casino stage for a setlist of hits and local radio favorites.  Most of the original members have departed, but the new lineup injects some energy into forty-year old songs.

The Greeting Committee, Uptown. $25-$49.50

Hometown faves!  The KC band is on the road supporting last September’s Dandelion, their second full-length and predictably has a large and loyal local fan base who will turn out for this theater show.  Latest single is “Float Away” and that’s what the band hopes you’ll do, in musical bliss.

Buku, Aura Nightclub, $15

Pittsburgh EDM trap DJ spins

Snow Tha Product, Granada. $25

The alt-Latin hip hop/R&B star just started her Dale Gas Tour, with new album, Valemadre, expected out soon and expect hyper-fast raps, so try and keep up. 

04/10 Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at Kauffman Center Read More Frankie Valli Tommy DeVito (American musician and singer for The Four Seasons), 92, COVID-19 Tommy DeVito, one of the founding members of iconic doo-wop group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons has died from COVID-19. He was 92. ... .… 04/10 Hayes Carll at Knuckleheads Read More Hayes Carll Country/Americana singer Hayes Carll will be in town with Aubrie Sellers at Cedar Cultural Center (7pm/$20) .…

Sunday April 10
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Kauffman Center. $35-$139

The Jersey Boy is 87 years young- you’re encouraged to see him while you can.

 

Soccer Mommy w Peel Dream Magazine, Granada- Lawrence, $22/$25

 

Her newest and third full-length album, Sometimes, Forever is due out until June 24, but that hasn't stopped Sophie Allison and band from hitting the road in advance-of.  Expect a good preview of the new work live, including lead single, "Shotgun", and just maybe a Slowdive cover as well. 

 

The uniquely named openers actually began as the nom de plume for Brooklyn's Joe Stevens, now LA-based.  Latest full length is called Agitprop Alterna and there's been a Moral Panics EP recently as well.    

Claudia Oshry, (comedian/author) Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $35-$69

Instagram personality aka GirlWithNoJob

Hayes Carll, Knuckleheads. $25

Alt-Americana rock singer is out with new album, You Get it All, and often draws similarities to Townes Van Zandt.

John Gorka, Lied Center. $16-$30

Contemporary folk artist with sixteen albums under his belt calls Minnesota his home, living just south of St. Paul. 

The Texas Tenors,  Yardley Hall. $15-$49

Classic/crossover/country trio with 2021 album, Outside the Lines, who are also three-time Emmy winners. 

Keith Washington, Cherrelle, Howard Hewett and more, Memorial Hall. $50-$150

A night of ‘90s R&B classics with five artists on stage and music made for slow love and smooth nights.

Monday April 11 fly a kite

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

Minneapolis: August 14 to August 18, 2019

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from August 14 to August 17, 2019.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

Ben Folds/ Violent Femmes Read More Ben Folds Five I recently found out that Ben Folds will be releasing a brand new album called So There, slated for release on September 11th... with a November tour date to follow! … Violent Femmes Violent Femmes are back at it again. This time, it looks like they are going back to their typical setlist. The key differences from last night’s show and tonight was that Gordon Gano …

BEN FOLDS and VIOLENT FEMMES
Surly Brewing Co. Festival Field
Wed 08/14/2019 (5pm/$49.50/Sold Out)
surlybrewing.com

What an unbeatable combination: Ben Folds (of Ben Folds Five) and Violent Femmes co-headlining the upcoming Surly Brewing Music Festival on Wednesday, August 14th.

If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll probably be at this show… so naturally all general admission tickets are sold out. We’ve seen both acts many times before, but to have them on one bill is pretty amazing.

We saw Ben Folds in 2012 and wrote, “This is a fact, but the Ben Folds Five show I attended in 2012, it was one of the best show I've ever seen. Singer Ben Folds clearly had a lot of fun touring and meeting their passionate fans... and they played all the hits.”

We saw VF in Oct 2017 and said, “Violent Femmes’s triumphant return to First Avenue (their first night) took place last night, July 5th. Having experienced both VF’s shows (July 5th and July 6th), I can tell you, on reflection, that the band really wanted to give fans that attended both nights something worth their time and money. Sure, the popular classic tracks were a staple on all their shows (although rearranged in some cases), but it’s the rarely heard ‘Gimme the Car’ that were indeed special for fans who attended the first night.”

Tour dates:

08/10/2019 Farm Bureau Insurance Indianapolis, IN
08/11/2019 Meadow Brook Amphitheatre Rochester, MI
08/14/2019 Surly Brewing Co. Festival Field Minneapolis, MN
08/15/2019 Water Works Park Des Moines, IA
08/16/2019 Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO
09/02/2019 Arts, Beats & Eats
09/05/2019 KettleHouse Amphitheater Bonner, MT
09/07/2019 McMenamins Edgefield Troutdale, OR
09/08/2019 Ford Idaho Center Nampa, ID
09/10/2019 The Joint Las Vegas, NV
09/11/2019 Golden 1 Center Sacramento, CA
09/13/2019 Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA
09/14/2019 FivePoint Amphitheatre Irvine, CA
09/15/2019 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA
09/18/2019 Austin360 Amphitheater Austin, TX
09/19/2019 The Theatre At Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TX

Other shows in the area:

The Alarm at Fine Line Tuxedo 2019 Tour Denzel Curry at First Ave Gauche at 7th Street Thunderpussy at Turf Club Read More Modern English Next up was Modern English, the new wave/post-punk band from Colchester, England. If you grew up in the 80s, you would have heard their signature song ‘I Melt With You’. ..... 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 release party on March 4th at The Regent Theater.....

THE ALARM
+ Modern English, Gene Loves Jezebel
Fine Line Music Cafe
Wed 08/14/2019 (7pm/$35)
first-avenue.com

New Wave Welsh band The Alarm will be headlining the Fine Line Music Café this August 14th. The band had a massive hit in 1983 with “Sixty Eight Guns”, so expect to hear that song live.

What’s cool is that Modern English is touring with them - you may remember that band is best known for their signature song “I Melt With You”.

Finally, who could forget English band Gene Loves Jezebel? The band is known for quite a few hits in the 80s, but unfortunately due to a falling out between twin brothers Jay and Michael Aston, officially the band is billed as Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel .

Local DJ Jake Rudh (from Transmission) will be DJing before and between sets.

Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel U.S. Tour

August 10 Lawrence, KS Liberty Hall
August 12 St. Louis, MO Delmar Hall
August 14 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line
August 15 Milwaukee, WI Turner Ballroom
August 16 Chicago, IL House of Blues
August 17 Detroit, MI St. Andrews
August 18 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
August 20 Portland, ME AURA
August 21 Boston, MA Paradise
August 23 Huntington, NY The Paramount
August 24 Jim Thorpe, PA Penns Peak
August 25 Falls Church, VA State Theatre
August 29 Asbury Park, NJ Asbury Lanes
August 30 Staten Island, NY St. George Theater
August 31 Philadelphia, PA The Keswick Theater
Sept 1 Norfolk, VA Norva
Sept 3 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theatre
Sept 4 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
Sept 5 Orlando, FL The Social
Sept 6 Bonita Springs, FL Southwest Florida Event
Sept 7 Miami, FL The Ground at Club Space
Sept 8 St. Pete, FL Ferg’s Concert Courtyard

TUXEDO
DJ Bonics
Cedar Cultural Center
Wed 08/14/2019 (7pm/$20)
thecedar.org

Tuxedo (the Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One collaboration) is playing the Cedar Cultural Center this August 14. Their new album Tuxedo III will be out on Funk On Sight.

Tour Dates

August 11 Detroit, MI @ El Club
August 13 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
August 14 Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
August 17 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
August 18 Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club
August 19 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
August 21 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
August 22 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
August 23 Los Angeles, CA @ The Globe Theater
August 24 San Diego, CA @ The Observatory

DENZEL CURRY
First Avenue
Thu 08/15/2019 (7pm/$17)
first-avenue.com

Florida’s rapper Denzel Curry is playing First Avenue on Thursday, August 15.

Tour dates:

8/10-8/11 - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands
8/13 - Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre*
8/15 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
8/14 - Milwaukee, MI @ Eagles Ballroom*
8/18 - Bonner Springs, KS @ Providence Medical*
8/19 - Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom*
8/21 - Magna, UT @ The Great Saltair*
8/23 - Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Expo Hall*
12/3 - London, UK @ The Roundhouse
12/5 - Dublin, UK @ The Helix
12/6 - Manchester, UK @ Academy 2
12/8 - Tilburg, NL @ 013
12/9 - Paris, FR @ Salle Wagram
12/10 - Brussels, BE @ AB
12/11 - Cologne, DE @ Carlswerk Victoria
12/13 - Hamburg, DE@ Docks
12/17 - Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU @ Rockhal Club

* = w/ $uicideBoy$

GAUCHE
+ Brendan Wells Plant Music, Half Tramp
7th Street Entry
Fri 08/16/2019 (8pm/$10)
first-avenue.com

Gauche is touring in support of A People’s History of Gauche, available now on Merge Records.

Gauche on tour:

Aug 10 Oakland, CA – Oakland Metro
Aug 11 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
Aug 12 Seattle, WA – Barboza
Aug 13 Vancouver, BC – Biltmore
Aug 16 Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
Aug 17 Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
Aug 18 Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Aug 19 Detroit, MI – Deluxx Fluxx
Aug 20 Toronto, ON – The Baby G
Aug 22 Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo
Aug 23 Providence, RI – AS220
Aug 24 Brooklyn, NY – Alphaville
Aug 25 Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
Aug 26 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery

THUNDERPUSSY
+ Hollis Brown, Seaberg
Turf Club
Sat 08/17/2019 (7pm/$12)
turfclub.net

One of the best live band touring today, Thunderpussy will be stopping by the Turf Club in St Paul on Saturday, August 17th. Thunderpussy’s self-titled debut album came out last year via Stardog Records/Republic Records… a record that Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready lent guitar and production, called his “favorite new band.”

Show up early to check out Hollis Brown and Seaberg & The Black Velvet Punks .

Tour Dates

8/10: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy #
8/11: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery #
8/13: Nashville, TN @ High Watt #
8/15: Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi Indy #
8/16: Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club #
8/17: Saint Paul, MN @ Turf Club #
8/19: Bozeman, MT @ The Eagles Ballroom #
8/20: Boise, ID @ Humpin’ Hannah's #
9/30: Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction *
10/1: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues - Voodoo Room *
10/3: Las Vegas, NV @ The Bunkhouse Saloon *
10/4: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Machines *
10/5: San Francisco, CA @ The Midway San Francisco

# w/ Hollis Brown
*w/ Ramonda Hammer

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

Minneapolis: January 19 to January 23, 2018

Read More The Current The annual The Current show is taking place next week: starting with Duluth's Low as headliner. Also on the bills are local favorites, John Mark Nelson (who previously appeared on . .... Bully Opening up the show was Nashville's Bully, lead by singer Alicia Bognanno .... who revealed to us that she's actually from Minnesota. Although the band has been in Minneapolis a few times ....

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from January 19 to January 23, 2018.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

THE CURRENT’S 13TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
First Avenue
Fri 01/19/2018 (7pm/$20)
Sat 01/20/2018 (7pm/$20)
first-avenue.com

It’s the annual local favorite radio station The Current’s 13th Birthday Party, and Bully (aka Alicia Bognanno) is headlining the first night with Now, Now, The Social Animals, and Dem Atlas.

For the second night, they booked JD McPherson, Ron Gallo, Lady Lark, and Reina Del Cid.

We caught Bully in January 2016 and noted, “Their set, although short, was packed full of energy. There were times when the music sounded like something you could hear on your local alternative rock radio channel but then there were also songs that sounded like Brody Dale of the Distillers was making a comeback. There were straight up punk songs mixed into a set of good old-fashioned alternative rock.”

Bully’s sophomore album Losing came out last Fall on Sub Pop. She’ll be continuing her tour in February:

1/19/18 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
2/16/18 - Norman OK - The Opolis
2/17/18 - Santa Fe NM - Meow Wolf
2/18/18 - Phoenix AZ - Valley Bar
2/24/18 - Eugene OR - Hi-Fi Music Lounge
2/26/18 - Vancouver BC - Biltmore Cabaret
2/28/18 - Seattle WA - Neumos
3/1/18 - Spokane WA - The Bartlett
3/2/18 - Boise ID - Neurolux
3/3/18 - Salt Lake City UT - Kilby Court
3/5/18 - Denver CO - Larimer Lounge
3/6/18 - Kansas City MO - Record Bar
5/30/18 - London, UK - Moth Club

Read More Ben Folds Five I recently found out that Ben Folds will be releasing a brand new album called So There, slated for release on September 11th... with a November tour date to follow! … Pokey LaFarge 06/15/2017 Retro-rocker Pokey LaFarge and Lillie Mae Rische to play First Avenue. 7pm, $15. …

Other shows in the area:

PRINCESS NOKIA
+ UNiiQU3
The Cabooze
Fri 01/19/2018 (7:30pm/$20)
cabooze.com

Princess Nokia (aka aka Destiny Frasqueri) will be headlining the Cabooze in support of her 1992 Deluxe album, available now on Rough Trade Records.

BEN FOLDS
Orchestra Hall
Fri 01/19/2018 (7pm/$55)
Sat 01/20/2018 (7pm/$55)
minnesotaorchestra.org

Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Ben Folds is playing a two-night residency at the Orchestra Hall in Minnesota. He recently released Concert 2015-2016 on New West Records.

We saw Ben Folds Five in 2012 and said, “Ben Folds told this great story about their first gig in Minneapolis at the 7th Street Entry. If you live around here, you know that place is tiny, so I had this vision of their grand piano taking up 90% of the stage. It was the first time the band came to Minneapolis and they had no idea how cold it was. It was snowing, negative 60 degree (at least that's what they said!), and they were moving the piano outside. They had "jackets" on but it was so cold, they ran back inside - leaving the piano in the middle of the street! Lessons learned.”

POKEY LAFARGE
+ Indianola
Turf Club
Fri 01/19/2018 (8pm/$16)
Sat 01/20/2018 (8pm/$16)
turfclub.net

Pokey Lafarge is playing a two-night residency at the Turf Club in St Paul in support of his new album Manic Revelations (Rounder Records). For some odd reason, the venue is listing Friday’s show as “8 a.m.”, which I’m assuming they actually meant 8pm.

STICK FIGURE
+ Twiddle, Iya Terra
First Avenue
Sun 01/21/2018 (7pm/$20)
first-avenue.com

Fan-favorite reggae act Stick Figure (led by Scott Woodruff) will be headlining First Avenue on Sunday, January 21st. Jamband Twiddle and LA-based reggae group Iya Terra will open.

Tour Dates:

Jan 17 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore
Jan 18 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
Jan 19 - Chicago, IL - Riviera
Jan 20 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theater
Jan 21 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
Jan 24 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall
Jan 25 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown
Jan 27 - Salt Lake City, UT - Hangar House
Jan 30 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
Jan 31 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
Feb 1 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SODO
Feb 2 - Portland, OR - Roseland
Feb 3 - Oakland, CA - The Fox
Feb 7 - Crystal Bay, NV - Crystal Bay Club
Feb 8 - San Luis Obispo, CA - Fremont Theatre
Feb 9 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl

BLINDS
+ Narco States, Lazy Scorsese
7th Street Entry
Tue 01/23/2018 (7pm/$5)
first-avenue.com

Local Minneapolis band Blinds is having an EP release party this Tuesday.

Their description:

'Some Thing for No Thing' is the second EP release from Minneapolis natives blinds. The record was a hands-on homage to the lo-fi nature of the early 90’s grunge scene all while using modern influences from Kings of Leon to Interpol.

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

Minneapolis: October 1 to October 2, 2016

Oh. My. God. It’s “Rocktober” in Minneapolis! October has traditionally been our busiest time of the year, we typically cover two or three shows a night... If you live in the city - you have some choices every night! Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from October 1 to October 2, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More The Proclaimers The Proclaimers are real-life Scottish twin brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid. They had a massive hit with "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" in America, and they are currently on tour in support of their latest … Jenny O In other Jenny O. news, she recently contributed a Buddy Holly cover song called "I'm Gonna Love You Too" on the 19-track compilation Rave on Buddy Holly. .....

THE PROCLAIMERS
at Cedar Cultural Center
Saturday, 10/01/16, 7pm ($25/$30)
thecedar.org

We start things off right with Scottish twins, The Proclaimers (Charlie and Craig Reid). The duo is famous for their song ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, which, according to various maps showed that 500 miles is actually bigger than the whole of Scotland (and assuming they started walking from Leith). And also, don’t they use kilometers instead of miles over there?

The last time we saw the Proclaimers, it was for their Like Comedy album in 2013 at the Varsity Theater. This time, The Proclaimers is touring in support of their latest album Let’s Hear It For The Dogs.

Jenny O to open the show.

Tour dates:

09/29/16 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
09/30/16 Chicago, IL Park West
10/01/16 Minneapolis, MN Cedar
10/03/16 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings
10/04/16 Saskatoon, SK Broadway Theatre
10/06/16 Regina, SK Casino Regina Show
10/07/16 Edmonton, AB Century Casino
10/08/16 Calgary, AB Deerfoot Inn
10/11/16 Vancouver, BC Commodore
10/13/16 Seattle, WA Neptune
10/14/16 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
10/15/16 Grants Pass, OR Rogue Theatre
10/17/16 Sacramento, CA Harlow's Night Club
10/18/16 Santa Cruz, CA Rio Theatre
10/19/16 San Francisco, CA Great American Music
10/21/16 West Hollywood, CA Roxy Theatre
10/22/16 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
10/23/16 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern

Read More Ben Folds Five I recently found out that Ben Folds will be releasing a brand new album called So There, slated for release on September 11th... with a November tour date to follow! …

BEN FOLDS
at First Avenue
Saturday, 10/01/16, 7:30pm ($35/Sold out)
first-avenue.com

I’ll never forget seeing Ben Folds Five at the Orpheum in 2012, and hearing singer / songwriter Ben Folds telling us a story of their first show in Minneapolis. They mistakenly booked a winter show, and ended up playing in a middle of a snowstorm. The worst part was trying to get his piano back onto their tour van... it proved too impossible so they just left it in the middle of the street!

It’s a valuable lesson they’ve learned that day. Since then, they’ve never, ever book a winter show in Minneapolis. Come see Ben Folds on his solo show this October 1st! The show is sold out.

Tour dates:

09/26 - Albany, NY @ The Egg
09/29 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Live
09/30 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Live
10/01 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/02 - Columbia, MO @ Roots N Blues N BBQ
10/04 - Wabash, IN @ Honeywell Center
10/06 - Charleston, WV @ Clay Center
10/07 - Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall
10/08 - Rochester, NY @ Uni of Rochester
10/20 - Anaheim, CA @ City National Grove
10/21 - Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura
10/22 - Modesto, CA @ Gallo Center
10/24 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
10/25 - Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theater
10/26 - Olympia, WA @ Washington Center
10/28 - Bellingham, WA @ Mount Baker Theatre
10/29 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
10/30 - Missoula, MT @ The Wilma
10/31 - Jackson Hole, WY @ Center for the Arts
11/02 - Lincoln, NE @ Rococo Theatre
11/05 - Elgin, IL @ Blizzard Theatre
11/06 - Des Moines, IA @ Hoyt Shermanr
11/09 - Broken Arrow, OK @ Broken Arrow

Read More Skylar Grey Next up was Skylar Grey, who previously signed with Linkin Park’s Machine Shop Recordings under the name Holly Brook. Brook left that name behind, reinvented herself as Skylar Grey …

SKYLAR GREY
at Studio B (Skyway Theatre)
Sunday, 10/02/16, 7pm ($15/$20)
skywaytheatre.com

We previously caught Skylar Grey with Atlas Genius in April 2016 and wrote, “Skylar Grey, who previously signed with Linkin Park’s Machine Shop Recordings under the name Holly Brook. Brook left that name behind, reinvented herself as Skylar Grey, and went on to co-writing Eminem and Rihanna’s hit single “Love the Way You Lie”, as well as Fort Minor's “Where’d You Go”, Nicki Minaj’s “Bed of Lies” ... an impressive string of hits.”

Touring with Grey will be Los Angeles based artist Morgxn (stylized as morgxn), on his very first tour. Morgxn is excited, saying “I think the universe opened up for me in that moment... Everything I wrote afterwards was silently anchored by this one moment.”

Tour dates:

9/25 – Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge
9/27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theatre
9/28 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
9/30 – Denver, CO – The Bluebird Theatre
10/3 – Minneapolis, MN – Studio B
10/4 – Detroit, MI – El Club
10/6 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
10/8 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
10/10 – Washington, DC – U Hall
10/11 – New York, NY - (Le) Poisson Rouge

all dates with morgxn

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

Looking Back: January 2016

Read More Babes in Toyland Since I love all-things Riot Grrrls, naturally I wanted to check out Babes in Toyland live. A little trivia, but the legendary Minneapolis band actually fired bassist Courtney Love in 1987. She, of course … Bully Opening up the show was Nashville's Bully, lead by singer Alicia Bognanno .... who revealed to us that she's actually from Minnesota. Although the band has been in Minneapolis a few times .... Morris Day From the current incarnation of Morris Day and the Time as well as rising songstress and Grammy winner Judith Hill, who had her debut album, last year’s Back in Time …

Here is the wrap-up for last month: January 2016.

I know it’s late, but let’s be honest, there really weren’t many shows we covered for the month of January. In fact, December to February (our current month) is pretty dead on account of my personal hibernation, but also bands aren’t really touring Minneapolis in the winter months (a smart move on their part).

I’ll never forget watching Ben Folds talk about his very first national tour and he made the mistake of booking Minneapolis in the Winter. What happened was there was a blizzard and they had to push Folds’ piano from the venue to their van... and ended up leaving it in the middle of the street. The band was so naïve about Minneapolis and snow that none of them wore heavy coats, and Folds described it as the harshest lesson he’s learned and since then, the band has never, ever come to Minneapolis in the Winter.

Trust me when I tell you that I’ve seen a lot of bands and for many who has never been to Minneapolis in the Winter (especially if they’re from a warmer area), they all say the same thing: Minneapolis is pretty darn cold. It’s also probably because many of these touring bands aren’t properly dressed.

Anyway, with that said, here are some highlights from January:

Buzz Award goes to the Bully at Fine Line (01/18). The Current loves her... and so does everyone else!

Come Back Award goes to Morris Day at Paisley Park (01/29). The last time The Time played was in 2001 - a 15 year absent!

First Time Award goes to Venom Inc at Turf Club (01/12). The band’s very first St Paul appearance, even though they’ve been around for at least 35 years.

Legendary Award goes to “local” Babes in Toyland at First Ave (01/30). Officially their first non-festival Minneapolis appearance... and it brought out all the local musicians and riot fans.

JANUARY 2016 (11 Shows)

• 01/10 Royal'z at Skyway • 01/12 Venom Inc at Turf Club • 01/18 Bully at Fine Line • 01/20 1349 at Triple Rock • 01/23 Lower Dens at 7th Street

• 01/27 Bayonne at 7th Street • 01/27 Josh Ritter at Pantages • 01/29 Morris Day at Paisley Park • 01/29 Decapitated at Skyway Theatre • 01/30 Babes in Toyland at First Ave • 01/30 Blue Felix at Cabooze

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

By the Numbers: Five to One

Read more By the Numbers.

Read More Ben Folds Five Here’s the big news, Ben Folds Five are officially back in the room! Many people thought this would probably never happen and that when they released their last album “The Unauthorized…

BEN FOLDS
benfolds.com

This is a fact, but the Ben Folds Five show I attended in 2012, it was one of the best show I've ever seen. Singer Ben Folds clearly had a lot of fun touring and meeting their passionate fans... and they played all the hits.

I recently found out that Ben Folds will be releasing a brand new album called So There, slated for release on September 11th... with a November tour date to follow! It's really too bad that they are skipping Minneapolis this time around, let's hope they come back next Summer.

Presale and VIP packages for the Fall Tour start Wednesday, August 26, at 10AM local venue time.



November tour dates:

11/01 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
11/03 - Charlotte, NC - Belk Theatre
11/04 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Thatre
11/05 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
11/06 - Chattanooga, TN - Tivoli Theatre
11/07 - Wilmington, NC - Greenfield Lake Amp
11/09 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall
11/11 - Birmingham, AL - Alabama Theatre
11/12 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
11/13 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
11/14 - Columbus, OH - Lifestyles Community Pavilion
11/16 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theatre
11/17 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
11/18 - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater

FLEISHER-JACOBSON
facebook.com/leonfleisherofficial

Four Hands (Sony Classical) is the brand-new album of piano duet from celebrated American pianist, Leon Fleisher together with his wife, fellow pianist Katherine Jacobson. The record came out August 14th, with a companion bonus disc, a re-issue of the famous Two Hands recording.

Here is how Sony Classical describe the new album:

Four Hands includes the famous Liebeslieder – Waltzes for Piano 4 Hands op. 52a by Johannes Brahms, works described by Ernest Lubin as being “among the loveliest and most beguiling of all Brahms’ compositions”; Franz Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor for Piano 4 Hands D 940 from the composer who wrote a great deal of four-hand piano music, this being one of his most attractive works in the genre; Maurice Ravel’s famous La Valse – a piece that displays the composer’s attraction for the form, arranged here for four hands by Lucien Garban, editor and lifelong friend to Ravel, and finally Graceful Ghost Rag by Pulitzer Prize winning American composer, William Bolcom, who specialices in mixing popular and classical forms. His original version for solo piano is arranged here by William Grossman. Leon Fleisher was a child prodigy who became Artur Schnabel’s youngest student at the age of ten, thus continuing a long line of pianistic tradition reaching back to Beethoven himself. Described by The Independent as “One of the outstanding musicians of our time”, Fleisher is currently experiencing a welcome revival both in the recording studio and on the concert platform.

THIRD EYE BLIND
thirdeyeblind.com

90s band Third Eye Blind recently issued its first album in six years called Dopamine. The band was recently in town with Dashboard Confessional.

Third Eye Blind's brand new NSFW music video for "Get Me Out Of Here" was directed by frontman Stephan Jenkins and recently filmed on the band's sold-out summer amphitheater tour. The video stars actress Tara Perry (with a cameo appearance by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional) and is a stylistic nod to the celebrated musical cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Regarding the video, Jenkins noted, "I think the idea behind my character being haunted by flashbacks and demonized by the ghost of a girlfriend past is that relationships are kind of a nightmare. That this coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show just feels so lucky as well.... 'I'm Going Home' has been our walk-out music every night for years and Tim Curry is a huge influence on me as a performer."

ERASE ERRATA
facebook.com/eraseerrata

All girls trio Erase Errata will be break up after their final two shows in October, Kill Rock Stars announced recently. The label signed and released the art-punk album Nightlife, and their “Damaged” / “Ouija Boarding” 7”.

This is the message from Erase Errata singer/guitarist Jenny Hoyston about the final two shows:

It's with mixed emotions that I announce that Ellie, Bianca, and I have decided to call it quits on this project after 16 mind blowing years. The final Erase Errata shows will be in Austin and Houston, Texas on October 16 and 17, 2015. I want to thank Ellie, Bianca, and Sara for changing my life forever, and to thank everyone who came to our shows and bought records, all of our support team (Scott Comeau, Maya Pedersen, Lindsay B. and many others), our auxiliary guest players Christina Files, Weasel Walter, Kim Gordon, Archie McKay, Jaél Navas García, Collin Dupuis, Eric Bauer, and others, plus Troubleman Unlimited, Kill Rock Stars, Dim Mak, WEA, Mute/Blast First, Sonic Youth, Le Tigre, Melt Banana, Aislers Set, Damo Suzuki, The Fall, Pansy Division, Bratmobile, The Gossip, Luke Tweedy, Norm Druce, all of the promoters world-wide who put on shows for us and YOU. So grateful. Thank you. Who knew an awkward little butch from Freeport, Texas would end up performing in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in addition to North America? Not me! What a ride. So grateful. ❤‼

Erase Errata Final TWO Shows

10/16 Austin, TX @ Stargayzer Fest
10/17 Houston, TX @ Walter’s Downtown

KENNA
kenna.com

Grammy Award® and Emmy Award® nominated artist, Kenna, recently announced that he will become the first-ever One-For-One Artist. This initiative is in accordance with launching his crowdfunding campaign for his third album, Songs For Flight, which features Kenna's new single "Sleep When We Die."

To help with the campaign, beginning September through October 2015, Kenna will visit Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Chennai, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Paris, London, New York, Haiti and Mexico City where fans are all invited to come out and participate in filming the music video for the first song for the single "Sleep When We Die".

Kenna is excited to meet his fans, adding, "I feel like this is a way to empower my art to create change through the connection I have with my fans. The hope is that the music serves as a conduit for the good my fans and I want to see in the world."

You can hear the new single on Soundcloud.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com