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Billy Bragg at First Ave (05 Oct 2024)

05 Oct 2024 Billy Bragg at First Avenue Billy Bragg Setlist The Wolf Covers Its Tracks The World Turned Upside Down (Leon Rosselson cover) She's Got a New Spell King Tide and the Sunny Day Flood Freedom Doesn't Come for Free Jeane / That's Entertainment (The Smiths and The Jam covers) Sexuality Mid-Century Modern Levi Stubbs' Tears All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose (Woody Guthrie cover) Rich Men Earning North of a Million Greetings to the New Brunette Do Unto Others The Buck Doesn't Stop Here No More The Milkman of Human Kindness To Have and to Have Not A New England There Is Power in a Union Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards -- Encore -- Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key I Will Be Your Shield Tank Park Salute Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

Billy Bragg’s “The Roaring 40” concert stopped by First Avenue, in Minneapolis, on Saturday night.

We’ve already written in details about this tour at the San Francisco show on Sep 26, 2024, so I suggest reading that to understand what a Billy Bragg show is like. What I can do is add a little more detail about The Smiths and The Jam covers (“Jeane” and “That’s Entertainment”). The “Jeane” cover dates back to 1985 when Bragg played the 7th Street Entry.

Billy Bragg and Johnny Marr in Vancouver (20 Sep 2024) photo courtesy of @billybragg

Bragg mentioned that he, and Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller, were all in Vancouver on 20 Sep 2024, but they were all playing their own headlining gigs. Marr and Bragg decided to get lunch together, which resulted in that viral photo. He also added that a fan was there and asked if he was Johnny Marr. The fan was described as “a young man, about 50.”

It was hard to understand Bragg’s accent, but it sounded like he ran into Paul Weller earlier and everyone knew who Weller was… but wasn’t sure who Billy Bragg was. Then, Bragg, in a loud voice, joked, “Billy Bragg? That old bastard, is he still going?”

I have joked in the past that a Billy Bragg show is about 40% music and 60% Bragg’s wisdom and stories. I have exaggerated the ratio, but there’s no denying that Bragg does talk a lot and he has plenty to say. Everything from American politics (JD Vance looks like “Interview With a Vampire”) to women’s rights. They’re all related to his songs and lyrics.

In addition to his stage banter, he also has a lot to write about. I want to say that he’s basically writing a tour diary, but they’re often about his personal history of the venues he’s about to play. I leave you now with Billy Bragg’s own writing about the history of First Avenue:

Tonight’s show in Minneapolis couldn’t be more of a contrast venue-wise. First Avenue was built in 1937 as a Greyhound Bus depot and continued in that use until 1968. Two years later it opened as a nightclub with a set from Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

By the time I first came to the Twin Cities in 1985, First Avenue was famous for having staged the concert footage that featured in Purple Rain, the hit movie made by local mega star Prince. I always thought of the place as a rock club, home to the likes of The Replacements and Husker Du, but looking at a flyer from the time of my first appearance, I was surprised to find that the night before I played, the venue hosted the Tannahill Weavers, a band that plays only traditional Scottish folk music. Wonder if they took the opportunity to film some footage for their movie Purple Dreich?

Note: There was no opening band.

Remaining tour dates:

10/06 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI

10/07 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL

10/10 - The Majestic - Detroit, MI

10/11 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON

10/12 - Kodak Center - Rochester, NY

10/17 - Lansdowne Theatre - Philadelphia, PA

10/18 - Webster Hall - New York, NY

10/19 - The Atlantis - Washington D.C.

10/20 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.

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Billy Bragg at First Ave (05 Oct 2024)

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Billy Bragg's Got a New (Old) Spell

Billy Bragg at Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (26 Sep 2024) Billy Bragg Setlist The Wolf Covers Its Tracks The World Turned Upside Down (Leon Rosselson cover) She's Got a New Spell Pinball Wizard (The Who cover) King Tide and the Sunny Day Flood Jeane / That's Entertainment Freedom Doesn't Come for Free Sexuality Mid-Century Modern Levi Stubbs' Tears All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose (Woody Guthrie cover) Rich Men Earning North of a Million Shirley Do Unto Others The Buck Doesn't Stop Here No More The Milkman of Human Kindness To Have and to Have Not A New England There Is Power in a Union Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards -- Encore -- Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key I Will Be Your Shield Tank Park Salute Tour Dates 9/27 - Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA 9/28 - The Magnolia - San Diego, CA 10/3 - Chautauqua Auditorium - Boulder, CO 10/5 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN 10/6 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI 10/7 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL 10/10 - The Majestic - Detroit, MI 10/11 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON 10/12 - Kodak Center - Rochester, NY 10/17 - Lansdowne Theatre - Philadelphia, PA 10/18 - Webster Hall - New York, NY 10/19 - The Atlantis - Washington D.C. 10/20 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C. Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

Billy Bragg
The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
San Francisco
September 26, 2024

“We're in this temple of art, and we're having a punk rock of a time aren't we?” Billy Bragg asked midway through his concert at the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. After 40 years of being Britain’s ornery, politically progressive troubadour in the style of Woody Guthrie and Kirsty MacColl, Bragg still stays true to form. A Billy Bragg show mixes plenty of pop with his politics, with long monologues between tried-and-true hits. At his Bay Area stop, he talked about everything from the flood levels in Florida to, of course, the upcoming U.S. presidential election. He even mentioned his support of the hotel workers’ strike currently going on in the city. The audience, fully seated in this scenic venue, whooped and hollered in approval. And of course, he fit in “There Is Power in a Union” in his set.

At 66 years old, many of Bragg’s fans have grown up with his music. But he made it clear with his words and music that he welcomed people of any age. From love songs laden with ‘80s and ‘90s pop hooks, to country-inflected crooners, Bragg is still the progressive. He mentioned that he’s updated some of his songs to keep up with the times. Thus, the lyrics for his pop hit, “Sexuality”—which appeared on his 1991 album, Don’t Try This at Home, and featuring lyrics like, “Just because you’re gay/ I won’t turn you away…”—now supports trans rights and the trans community.

I have fond memories of various Billy Bragg shows that felt like raucous pub singalongs, but tonight’s performance was more stripped-down, with just one backing keyboardist, instrumentalist, and vocalist, JJ Stoney, and Bragg switching off between his electric and acoustic guitars. (As someone who had just spent the past week reliving my ‘90s glory days and dancing my arse off at all four of ‘90s britpop band Pulp’s West Coast shows, I was grateful for the respite that Bragg’s seated performance provided.)

Billy Bragg and Johnny Marr in Vancouver (20 Sep 2024) photo courtesy of @billybragg

Bragg talked about having played recently in Vancouver on the same night as Johnny Marr and Paul Weller, joking that Canadian fans of ‘80s indie rock had big choices to make that night. Then, he tickled the crowd by singing a bit of each artist’s tunes, paying his respects. Ever the political antagonist, Bragg even dropped in a lyrical dig at Marr’s former Smiths bandmate, Morrissey—who’s stirred up plenty of controversy these days with his nationalist rhetoric—during “Sexuality,” replacing “Don’t threaten me with misery” with “Don’t threaten me with Morrissey…” “Whatever happened to that guy?” Bragg joked afterwards.

As for the music, Bragg had something from his expansive catalog to please everyone, crooning decades-old pop hits like “She’s Got a New Spell,” “Shirley,” and “The Milkman of Human Kindness” to “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key,” from his collaboration with Wilco. Bragg’s voice is as pleasing and plaintive as ever, and even stripped down, stirred the crowd.

And his wit was in fine form, as well. He talked of playing cruises with Lyle Lovett, and different festivals with all different genres of music, declaring himself “genre-fluid.” Anyone new to Bragg’s live shows might not be used to his lengthy discourses on the state of the union, but, like his heart, he still wears his politics on his sleeve, calling socialism “organized empathy,” and telling the crowd before the encore, “I want to make you go home not just entertained, but with your activism recharged and your cynicism kicked to the curb.” Walking off into the San Francisco night, with the Golden Gate Bridge twinkling in the distance, my hope and spirits felt lifted for the week.

Billy Bragg at Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco (26 Sep 2024)

Robin Lapid ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (10/06/2024)

What’s happening this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

01 Oct 2024 Ivy Lab with Player Dave, Lake Hills and Mirror Maze at Fine Line Read More Ivy Lab Other DJs and producers on the bill: North London duo Ivy Lab, featuring Sabre (Gove Kidao) and Stray (J. Fogel), Mt Eden, Mr Bill, & Ternion Sound on night one and Boogie T, Dirt Monkey & Subtronics on night two. ....

01 Oct 2024 Tuesday

Ivy Lab
with Player Dave, Lake Hills and Mirror Maze
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

London outfit Ivy Lab is headlining the Fine Line, in Minneapolis on October 1st, 2024, kicking off Rocktober properly.

The duo (Sabre and Stray) is known for bass with hip-hop sound, since the release of their debut album Death Don't Always Taste Good.

Player Dave, Lake Hills and Mirror Maze to open.

Tour Dates:

Sep 5 London, UK Fold

Sep 14 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US Fonda Theatre

Sep 19 Atlanta, GA, US Terminal West

Sep 20 Charlotte, NC, US Black Box Theatre

Sep 21 Washington, DC, US The Atlantis

Sep 23 Philadelphia, PA, US The Foundry

Sep 24 New York (NYC), NY, US Webster Hall

Sep 25 Boston, MA, US Royale Boston

Sep 28 Columbus, OH, US Newport Music Hall

Sep 29 Cincinnati, OH, US Bogart's

Sep 30 Chicago, IL, US Thalia Hall

Oct 1 Minneapolis, MN, US Fine Line

Oct 4 Denver, CO, US Ogden Theatre

Oct 8 Vancouver, BC, Canada Hollywood Theatre

Oct 9 Portland, OR, US Roseland Theater

Oct 10 Seattle, WA, US The Crocodile

Oct 12 San Francisco, CA, US The Regency Ballroom

Oct 12 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK NX

Oct 18 London, UK Fabric

Nov 29 Bristol, UK Clock Factory Bristol

02 Oct 2024 Yard Act with Omni at Fine Line Read More Yard Act Yard Act was a little more conversational. In fact, the lead singer, James Smith was down-right loquacious. They were excited to be in the Twin Cities, the first stop on their American Tour and they didn’t … OMNI The evening’s triple-bill lineup began with a buzzing trio from Atlanta, Omni (Philip Frobos, ex-Deerhunter guitarist Frankie Broyles, with live drummer Chris Yonker- perhaps named after the now-demolished …

02 Oct 2024 Wednesday

Yard Act
with Omni
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

British band Yard Act is back at the Fine Line, this October 2, 2024. They claim that they keep losing money whenever they play here, but the band loves playing in the USA, so come out and see them this October 2nd!

Yard Act at Fine Line (13 Sep 2023)

We previously saw the UK band in Sep 2023, and wrote, “Yard Act is a new band (2019) from Leeds England and they had quite the debut with their first album The Overload, which was short-listed (nominated) for the Mercury Prize last year. “Confident” is the word Pitchfork used to describe the album and it is a perfect word to describe the band with a heavy beat and recitative delivery of Smith’s somewhat rap, somewhat punk, sped-up poetry slam of verbal acrobatics with a tongue in cheek and biting tongue.”

Omni at First Avenue (30 April 2019)

Omni to open. We previously saw Omni in Apr 2019 and said, “The evening’s triple-bill lineup began with a buzzing trio from Atlanta, Omni (Philip Frobos, ex-Deerhunter guitarist Frankie Broyles, with live drummer Chris Yonker- perhaps named after the now-demolished Georgia arena?), who just signed to Sub Pop’s new Singles Club, playing both new songs, ‘Delicacy’ and ‘I Don’t Dance’, and more during their brief opening set. The trio plays an antsy and addictive blend of post-punk rock, sharpened by staccato riffs and cerebral arrangements and is working on their third full-length, visibly happy about their recent signing and the chance to be on this bill. From the enthusiastic reception gauged, expect the band back, when the new record completes.”

Tour Dates:

Oct. 2 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line

Oct. 3 - Cudahy, WI @ X-Ray Arcade

Oct. 4 - Chicago, IL @ Metro

Oct. 5 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

Oct. 7 - Toronto, ON @ Axis Club

Oct. 8 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz

Oct. 10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

Oct. 11 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair

Oct. 12 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

Oct. 15 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat

Oct. 16 - Asheville, NC @ Eulogy

Oct. 17 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West

Oct. 19 - Mexico City, MX @ Foro Puebla

03 Oct 2024 Marika Hackman with Art School Girlfriend and Hemma at Turf Club Read More Marika Hackman English singer Marika Hackman recently released Big Sigh on January 12, 2024, her first studio album in five years. This was the “hardest record” that she’s ever made, in her own words. … Art School Girlfriend Opening the show was North Wales-born, London-based Art School Girlfriend. Like Japanese House, Art School Girlfriend is just the stagename for Polly Mackey… who seemed really quiet and shy throughout her brief and very dark (lightwise) set. ....

03 Oct 2024 Thursday

Marika Hackman
with Art School Girlfriend and Hemma
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

UK-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Marika Hackman is returning to North American after five years with her new album Big Sigh. We actually mentioned her European tour dates earlier this year, so we’re happy to see that she is finally going to be in America this Fall. The tour will stop in at the Turf Club, in St Paul, on October 3, 2024.

Art School Girlfriend at Fine Line (01 May 2019)

Art School Girlfriend to open. We saw Polly Mackey in May 2019 and said, “North Wales-born, London-based Art School Girlfriend. Like Japanese House, Art School Girlfriend is just the stagename for Polly Mackey… who seemed really quiet and shy throughout her brief and very dark (lightwise) set. Most of her songs is probably taken from Come Back To Me album, including the title track… which was the second song to play after her first song “Bending Back”. With the quiet way Mackey sings and the subject matter of her songs, it is best experienced in a very quiet setting. Perhaps listening on headphones, not in a loud environment. She did ended with her danciest/loudest song, “Distance (Blank)”, with the help of pre-recorded beats.”

Hemma at 7th Street (01 Aug 2024)

Also Hemma is on the bill. We saw local singer recently on Aug 2024 and said, “local singer/songwriter Hemma, who sings about grief and healing and seems to be inspired by Joni Mitchell. Her biography mentioned that she comes from a large family of singers and sometimes she’s with a full band (but it seems easier for traveling as a soloist). Songs that she played and mentioned were “Patterns” (with the funky beats), “Home”, and “Buckskin Pony” (which she had to not use the pre-recorded background music).”

Tour dates:

Sept 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's

Sept 12 - Washington, DC @ Atlantis

Sept 13 - Durham, NC @ Pinhook

Sept 14 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

Sept 16 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

Sept 17 - Austin, TX @ Ballroom

Sept 18 - Ft Worth, TX @ Tulips

Sept 20 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar

Sept 21 - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress

Sept 24 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

Sept 25 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

Sept 27 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios

Sept 28 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou's

Sept 29 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret

Oct 03 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club

Oct 04 - Milwaukee, WI @ Vivarium

Oct 05 - Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village

04 Oct 2024 Odie Leigh at Fine Line Read More Odie Leigh Odie Leigh would never have called herself a musician before the depths of the 2020 pandemic when her rapper roomies made a bet: Whoever records a song that goes viral first, wins. Slightly …

04 Oct 2024 Friday

Odie Leigh
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

New Orleans-bred, Detroit-based singer-songwriter Odie Leigh will be headlining the Fine Line, in Minneapolis on October 4, 2024, as part of her tour in support of the debut album Carrier Pigeon (Mom + Pop).

Carrier Pigeon was produced by producer/musician/engineer Derek Ted and Odie Leigh, and contains the songs “My Name On A T-Shirt” and “Conversation Starter.”

Tour Dates:

09/19 - Houston, TX - The Secret Group

09/20 - Austin, TX - Scoot Inn

09/21 - Fort Worth, TX - Tulips

09/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall

09/24 - Sante Fe, NM - Meow Wolf

09/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge

09/28 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre

09/30 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck

10/01 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown

10/03 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon

10/04 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line

10/05 - Des Moines, IA - xBK

10/06 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall

10/08 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Bar

10/10 - Indianapolis, IN - HI-FI Indianapolis

10/11 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway

10/12 - Memphis, TN - 1884 Lounge

10/13 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley

11/04 - Detroit, MI - El Club

11/05 - Toronto, ON - Longboat Hall

11/06 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB

11/08 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Ballroom

11/09 - Portland, ME Portland House of Music

11/10 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair

11/12 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall

11/13 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

11/15 - Albany, NY - Lark Hall

11/16 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church

11/17 - Washington, DC - The Atlantis

11/19 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater

11/20 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle

11/22 - Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre

11/23 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West

11/24 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle Music Hall

12/03 - Phoenix, AZ - The Crescent Ballroom

12/04 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Solana Beach

12/06 - Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex

12/12 - Vancouver, BC - The Pearl

12/13 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile

12/14 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall

12/15 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall

* Festival Performance

05 Oct 2024 Billy Bragg at First Avenue Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

05 Oct 2024 Saturday

Billy Bragg
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

There’s nothing quite like a Billy Bragg concert. Part political rally to inspire the working class, part troubadour melodies for the melancholy and lovelorn, and a full-on musical rollercoaster in a packed venue full of fans that somehow feels intimate and inclusive—all for anyone fancies a shout and a jig and maybe wants to shed a tear for love or joy or hope. Bragg’s songs have spanned decades, with influences ranging from Woody Guthrie to Kirsty MacColl to ‘80s new wave and beyond.

The singer-songwriter is in the midst of a U.S. and Canada tour called “The Roaring 40,” in support of his 2023 career-spanning box set The Roaring 40 1983-2023. He’s touring with vocalist and keyboardist JJ Stoney, so expect plenty of favorites, some singalongs, and some heartfelt, plaintive numbers… and probably, as we’re in the midst of a U.S. election year, plenty of socio-political commentary and calls for activism. In other words, you’ll probably leave one of his shows full of love, pride, and hopeful vibes.

Billy Bragg at Fine Line (20 Apr 2019)

We saw Bragg in Apr 2019 and said, “If you’ve ever seen Billy Bragg in concert, you know that he has stories on every song he’s ever written. The show was about 40% music and 60% Bragg’s wisdom and stories. Many fans bought all three tickets, and, of course, Bragg recognized them from the previous two nights and would sometime joke about it, saying they really mistaken this show another Billy - Billie Ellish. Although to be honest, the much older audience had never ever heard of the neo-goth, chart-topping 17-year-old pop star.”

Tour dates:

9/20 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC

9/21 - Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA

9/22 - Revolution Hall - Portland, OR

9/24 - Crest Theatre - Sacramento, CA

9/26 - Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco, CA

9/27 - Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

9/28 - The Magnolia - San Diego, CA

10/3 - Chautauqua Auditorium - Boulder, CO

10/5 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN

10/6 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI

10/7 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL

10/10 - The Majestic - Detroit, MI

10/11 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON

10/12 - Kodak Center - Rochester, NY

10/17 - Lansdowne Theatre - Philadelphia, PA

10/18 - Webster Hall - New York, NY

10/19 - The Atlantis - Washington D.C.

10/20 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.

06 Oct 2024 Willie Watson with Jack Van Cleaf at Dakota Jazz Club Read More Willie Watson Having just wrapped up his tour with acoustic-supergroup Dave Rawlings Machine, Willie Watson is back on tour in North America in support of his debut album Folk Singer Vol. 1. The album … Old Crow Medicine Show Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show will be heading back to Minneapolis at the State Theatre, in support of their latest album Remedy, out now on ATO Records…

06 Oct 2024 Sunday

Willie Watson
with Jack Van Cleaf
at Dakota Jazz Club
dakotacooks.com

Singer-songwriter, poet, actor and multi-instrumentalist Willie Watson is touring in support of his self-titled solo album, via Little Operation Records (Thirty Tigers).

Watson is the former founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, so it was tough to finally break out, as he noted, “After 30 years of playing music professionally - this is my debut album. This record is me beating the devil, or the story of what finally did it anyway. I didn’t make any specific pact or anything but I know we’ve been tangled up most of my life. Now that he’s gone I can love myself again.”

The tour will stop by the Dakota Jazz Club, in Minneapolis, on October 6, 2024, with Jack Van Cleaf as special guest.

Tour dates:

Oct 1 - Indianapolis, IN - HI-Fi Annex =

Oct 2 - Evanston, IL - SPACE =

Oct 4 - Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House =

Oct 5 - Green Lake, WI - Thrasher Opera House =

Oct 6 - Minneapolis, MN - Dakota =

Oct 30 - Los Angeles, CA - Pico Union Project ^

Nov 1 - Felton, CA - Felton Music Hall

Nov 2 - Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theater & Music Hall

Nov 3 - Berkeley, CA - Freight & Salvage ^

Nov 4 - Ferndale, CA - The Old Steeple

Nov 6 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern +

Nov 7 - Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo +

Nov 8 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios +

Nov 9 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret +

Nov 11 - Missoula, MT - Top Hat Lounge +

Nov 12 - Bozeman, MT - The Rialto +

Nov 15 - Fort Collins, CO - The Coast +

Nov 16 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall +

Nov 19 - Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads

Nov 20 - St Louis, MO - The Pageant *

Nov 21 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom West *

Nov 22 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater *

Nov 23 - Iowa City, IA - Hancher Auditorium *

Dec 3 - Nashville, TN - Basement East +

Dec 4 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle Music Hall +

Dec 6 - Washington DC - Union Stage +

Dec 7 - Charlottesville, Va - The Southern +

Dec 8 - Ardmore, PA - Ardmore Music Hall +

Dec 10 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair +

Dec 12 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom +

Dec 13 - Woodstock, NY - Levon Helm Studios +

Dec 14 - Ithaca, NY - Hangar Theatre +

= with special guest Jack Van Cleaf
^ with special guest Margo Cilker
+ with special guest Viv & Riley

06 Oct 2024 Air at State Theatre Read More Air Do you remember the first time you heard Air’s “Sexy Boy”? My God, it was nothing I’ve ever heard before and it was simply amazing! It’s catchy, it’s dancey, it’s everything a perfect summer single should be. I immediately …

06 Oct 2024 Sunday

Air
at State Theatre
hennepinarts.org

French band Air is finally making their way to the USA this Sep/Oct 2024. We first announced their USA tour in May 2024, so it’s exciting that the clock is ticking closer to when we see them finally playing the State Theatre, in Minneapolis, on October 6, 2024.

I previously mentioned that when I heard “Sexy Boy”, it was simply like nothing I’ve ever heard and I was hooked. Went out and bought their single and debut album Moon Safari at the Wherehouse Music Store.

Tour dates:

09-25 Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre

09-27 Seattle, WA - Benaroya Hall

09-29 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre

09-30 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre

10-02 San Francisco, CA - The Masonic

10-04 Denver, CO - Bellco Theatre

10-06 Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre

10-08 Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre

10-10 Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre

10-12 Toronto, ON - Massey Hall

10-13 Laval, QC - Place Bell

10-15 Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall

10-17 Philadelphia, PA - The Met

10-18 Washington, D.C. - The Anthem

10-21 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

10-22 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

10-24 Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

10-26 Miami, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach

10-29 Dallas, TX - Music Hall at Fair Park

10-30 Austin, TX - Moody Amphitheater

06 Oct 2024 Coco & Clair Clair with SadBoi at Varsity Theater Read More Coco & Clair Clair “Last Christmas” is the new holiday single from duo Coco & Clair Clair. The song is reimagined as a trap bass song with an 80s snare. I think my favorite part of the song is the whispering of “Happy Christmas” that starts …

06 Oct 2024 Sunday

Coco & Clair Clair
with SadBoi
at Varsity Theater
livenation.com

Coco & Clair Clair is touring in support of their new album Girl. The upcoming 21-date North American tour, produced by Live Nation, begins October 1st in Montreal and will stop in Minneapolis (at the Varsity Theater on October 6).

SadBoi to open.

Tour dates:

9/28 - Forest Hills, NY @ All Things Go Festival ^

10/1 - Montréal, QC @ Studio TD

10/02 - Toronto, ON @ The Axis Club

10/04 - Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall

10/05 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

10/06 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

10/8 - Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck *

10/09 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

10/12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell

10/14 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom *

10/15 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall

10/16 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos

10/19 - Phoenix, AZ @ VIVA PHX ^

10/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre *

10/24 - Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge

10/25 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s

10/27 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues

10/29 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

10/30 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

11/01 - Washington, D.C. @ Howard Theatre

11/02 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

11/06 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

11/07 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts

11/09 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre

11/11 - Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live

11/12 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues

^Festival Date
*Non-Live Nation Date

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

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Rocktober: October 5, 2024

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

05 Oct 2024 Billy Bragg at First Avenue Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

05 Oct 2024 Saturday

Billy Bragg
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

There’s nothing quite like a Billy Bragg concert. Part political rally to inspire the working class, part troubadour melodies for the melancholy and lovelorn, and a full-on musical rollercoaster in a packed venue full of fans that somehow feels intimate and inclusive—all for anyone fancies a shout and a jig and maybe wants to shed a tear for love or joy or hope. Bragg’s songs have spanned decades, with influences ranging from Woody Guthrie to Kirsty MacColl to ‘80s new wave and beyond.

The singer-songwriter is in the midst of a U.S. and Canada tour called “The Roaring 40,” in support of his 2023 career-spanning box set The Roaring 40 1983-2023. He’s touring with vocalist and keyboardist JJ Stoney, so expect plenty of favorites, some singalongs, and some heartfelt, plaintive numbers… and probably, as we’re in the midst of a U.S. election year, plenty of socio-political commentary and calls for activism. In other words, you’ll probably leave one of his shows full of love, pride, and hopeful vibes.

Billy Bragg at Fine Line (20 Apr 2019)

We saw Bragg in Apr 2019 and said, “If you’ve ever seen Billy Bragg in concert, you know that he has stories on every song he’s ever written. The show was about 40% music and 60% Bragg’s wisdom and stories. Many fans bought all three tickets, and, of course, Bragg recognized them from the previous two nights and would sometime joke about it, saying they really mistaken this show another Billy - Billie Ellish. Although to be honest, the much older audience had never ever heard of the neo-goth, chart-topping 17-year-old pop star.”

Tour dates:

9/20 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC

9/21 - Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA

9/22 - Revolution Hall - Portland, OR

9/24 - Crest Theatre - Sacramento, CA

9/26 - Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco, CA

9/27 - Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

9/28 - The Magnolia - San Diego, CA

10/3 - Chautauqua Auditorium - Boulder, CO

10/5 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN

10/6 - Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI

10/7 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL

10/10 - The Majestic - Detroit, MI

10/11 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON

10/12 - Kodak Center - Rochester, NY

10/17 - Lansdowne Theatre - Philadelphia, PA

10/18 - Webster Hall - New York, NY

10/19 - The Atlantis - Washington D.C.

10/20 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.

05 Oct 2024 HOMESHAKE with Freak Heat Waves at Amsterdam Bar & Hall Read More Freak Heat Waves Opening the show was Victoria, British Columbia’s Freak Heat Waves. The trio, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Steven Lind, with bassist James Twiddy, and drummer Thomas DiNinno, played a set of …

05 Oct 2024 Saturday

HOMESHAKE
with Freak Heat Waves
at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
first-avenue.com

Toronto-based Homeshake (aka Peter Sagar) will be headlining the Amsterdam Bar & Hall on October 5, 2024. Homeshake’s album Horsie is out now via SHHOAMKEE.

Canada’s Freak Heat Waves to open.

Freak Heat Waves at 7th Street (29 April 2018)

We saw Freak Heat Waves in Apr 2018 and said, “Opening the show was Victoria, British Columbia’s Freak Heat Waves. The trio, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Steven Lind, with bassist James Twiddy, and drummer Thomas DiNinno, played a set of songs from their third album Beyond XXXL (Telephone Explosion), including the singles “Self Vortex” and “Toxic Talk Show”.”

Tour Dates:

09/19 - Houston, TX - The Secret Group

09/20 - Austin, TX - Scoot Inn

09/21 - Fort Worth, TX - Tulips

09/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall

09/24 - Sante Fe, NM - Meow Wolf

09/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge

09/28 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre

09/30 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck

10/01 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown

10/03 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon

10/04 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line

10/05 - Des Moines, IA - xBK

10/06 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall

10/08 - Columbus, OH - A&R Music Bar

10/10 - Indianapolis, IN - HI-FI Indianapolis

10/11 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway

10/12 - Memphis, TN - 1884 Lounge

10/13 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley

11/04 - Detroit, MI - El Club

11/05 - Toronto, ON - Longboat Hall

11/06 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB

11/08 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Ballroom

11/09 - Portland, ME Portland House of Music

11/10 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair

11/12 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall

11/13 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

11/15 - Albany, NY - Lark Hall

11/16 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church

11/17 - Washington, DC - The Atlantis

11/19 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater

11/20 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle

11/22 - Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre

11/23 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West

11/24 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle Music Hall

12/03 - Phoenix, AZ - The Crescent Ballroom

12/04 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Solana Beach

12/06 - Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex

12/12 - Vancouver, BC - The Pearl

12/13 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile

12/14 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall

12/15 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall

* Festival Performance

05 Oct 2024 JP Cooper with Sam Fischer at Fine Line Read More JP Cooper Blue and fellow Brit JP Cooper co-wrote the song Perfect Strangers, with Cooper on vocals. Cooper is a rising star with a strong potential for greatness. The original tropical house version of the song is available …

05 Oct 2024 Saturday

JP Cooper
with Sam Fischer
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

Singer-songwriter JP Cooper is touring in support of the new single “Waiting On A Blue Sky,” out now via Republic Records. The single was produced by Cam Blackwood (George Ezra), the single marks the Mancunian artist’s first release since his acclaimed second album, 2022’s She.

The tour will stop by the Fine Line, in Minneapolis, on October 5, 2024.

Sam Fischer to open.

Tour Dates:

17th September Dallas, Texas The Echo

18th September Austin, Texas Parish

19th September Houston, Texas Bronze Peacock

21st September Atlanta, Georgia The Loft

22nd September Nashville, Tennessee Basement East

24th September Washington 9:30 Club

25th September Ardmore, Pennsylvania Ardmore Music Hall

27th September Brooklyn New York Warsaw

28th September Boston, Massachusetts Royale

29th September Montreal, Quebec Beanfield Theatre

1st October Toronto, Ontario Danforth Music Hall

3rd October Detroit, Michigan Magic Stick

4th October Chicago, Illinois House of Blues

5th October Minneapolis, Minnesota Fine Line

7th October Denver , Colorado Bluebird Theatre

9th October Los Angeles, California Belasco Theatre

10 October San Francisco, California The Fillmore

05 Oct 2024 Melt with MARIS at Turf Club Read More Sam Evian Singer / songwriter Sam Evian is touring in support of his fourth studio album Plunge (Flying Cloud Recordings / Thirty Tigers). The tour will stop by the 7th Street Entry, in Minneapolis, on May 4th, 2024. …

05 Oct 2024 Saturday

Melt
with MARIS
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

New York’s Melt (not to be confused with alternative psych-rock band Meltt) is touring in support of their debut album If There’s a Heaven. The record was produced by Sam Evian (Big Thief).

The band is famous for their viral hit song “Sour Candy”, which NPR called “one groovy superorganism.”

MARIS to open.

Tour Dates:

Aug 31 Amagansett, NY, US The Stephen Talkhouse

Oct 3 Indianapolis, IN, US Hifi Indianapolis

Oct 4 Chicago, IL, US Park West

Oct 5 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club

Oct 7 Madison, WI, US High Noon Saloon

Oct 8 Davenport, IA, US The Racoon Motel

Oct 9 Des Moines, IA, US Wooly's

Oct 10 Omaha, NE, US Slowdown

Oct 12 Denver, CO, US Ogden Theatre

Oct 14 Salt Lake City, UT, US The State Room

Oct 16 Boise, ID, US Shrine Social Club

Oct 18 Seattle, WA, US Neumos

Oct 19 Portland, OR, US Holocene

Oct 22 San Francisco, CA, US The Independent

Oct 24 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US Bellwhether

Oct 25 San Diego, CA, US Music Box

Oct 25 San Diego, CA, US Music Box

Oct 26 Phoenix, AZ, US Valley Bar

Oct 29 Austin, TX, US Antone's

Oct 30 Dallas, TX, US Club Dada

Nov 1 Nashville, TN, US The Mil at Cannery Hall

Nov 2 Asheville, NC, US Grey Eagle Music Hall

Nov 3 Carrboro, NC, US Cat's Cradle

Nov 7 Washington, DC, US 9:30 CLUB

Nov 8 Philadelphia, PA, US Brooklyn Bowl

Nov 9 Boston, MA, US Royale Boston

Nov 16 Brooklyn, NY, US Brooklyn Steel

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

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Billy Bragg at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (20 Apr 2019)

Billy Brag at Fine Line Setlist She's Got a New Spell The Price I Pay Happy Earth Day To You Dolphins Upfield Everywhere The Short Answer The Only One Little Time Bomb Must I Paint You a Picture? Sexuality The Space Race Is Over The Few I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night Brickbat Accident Waiting to Happen Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards -- Encore -- Tank Park Salute The Times They Are A-Changin' (Bob Dylan cover) from the album Workers Playtime from the album The Internationale from the album Don't Try This at Home from the album William Bloke Tour Dates 4/25 – 4/27 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL 9/19 – 9/21 – The Birchmere – Alexandria, VA 9/26 – 9/28 – The Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY 10/3 – 10/5 –The Sinclair – Boston, MA Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

English protest singer Billy Bragg is in a middle of a very interesting “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back” tour… stopping by the Fine Line Music Café from April 18 to April 20. We caught Billy Bragg on his final night, at the very sold-out, very packed venue in downtown Minneapolis.

The idea behind this tour, is that Bragg would play a three-night residency show. The first night consisting of a “Current” song set (although I did peak at previous setlist, he does actually play what I considered some “old stuff” and some covers), and the second night would be songs from his first three albums (Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy, Brewing Up with Billy Bragg, and Talking with the Taxman about Poetry), and on the last night, he would play albums four to six (Workers Playtime , The Internationale, and Don't Try This at Home).

Although it was advertised as “songs from the second three albums”, the show, in fact, included many songs from the seventh album, William Bloke. I don’t think anyone minded, as it does mean that there seems to be less songs from the mostly political album The Internationale (also the lowest UK charting album among Bragg’s first seven albums).

If you’ve ever seen Billy Bragg in concert, you know that he has stories on every song he’s ever written. The show was about 40% music and 60% Bragg’s wisdom and stories. Many fans bought all three tickets, and, of course, Bragg recognized them from the previous two nights and would sometime joke about it, saying they really mistaken this show another Billy - Billie Ellish. Although to be honest, the much older audience had never ever heard of the neo-goth, chart-topping 17-year-old pop star.

Bragg mentioned on stage that the first two nights, he was serious and played things by the book. However, it would seem that on his final night, that he’s very loose and just riffing on various subjects. As expected, he had a lot to say about Donald Trump, but really refused to mention his name - only referring Trump as “HIM”. He thinks that there are more important (“bigger fish to fry”) than just concentrate on his idiocy.

Speaking of fish, outside of politics, Bragg is really actively into saving our Earth. At least, trying to do his small part by not using plastic bags or bottles. It occurred to him that perhaps it’s Earth Day, thinking 4/20 was the date. Some “smart Alec” said it was pot day, and someone else pointed out that it’s actually going to be on Monday (4/22). Still, that didn’t stop Bragg from doing an impromptu “Happy Earth Day To You”, sung to the composition of “Happy Birthday Day To You”.

Despite being just a guy and his guitar, Bragg definitely had his fans in the palm of his hands. There’s something to be said about the power of music bringing people together. He described it as “communion”, and you can’t replicate this feeling from sitting on your computer.

If you’re a Billy Bragg fan, you definitely will want to see him on this “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”. It has a little something for everyone, whether you’re a modern Bragg fan, or were really into those very early Bragg songs. For diehard fans, you might want to get tickets for all three nights, as each night is a very different setlist and stories.

Billy Bragg at Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis (20 Apr 2019)

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

Minneapolis: April 17 to April 20, 2019

Billy Brag at Fine Line Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from April 17 to April 20, 2019.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

BILLY BRAGG
Fine Line Music Cafe
Thu 04/18/2019 (7pm/$40)
Fri 04/19/2019 (7pm/$40/Sold Out)
Sat 04/20/2019 (7pm/$40)
finelinemusic.com

Protest singer Billy Bragg is having a three-night residency at the Fine Line Music Café from April 18 to 20. I know one of these shows have already sold out… so get your tickets now if you want to see Billy Bragg.

We last saw Bragg in October 2016 and said, “Billy & Joe decided to delay their show later than scheduled, because due to the over sold out status, people were still lining up to get in the venue. Before and after every song they played, they had great stories about them. After the Jimmie Rodgers cover ‘Waiting for a Train’, Bragg jokingly said that he was “the first Englishman to yodel since Morrissey.” (Referring to The Smiths’ ‘The Boy With the Thorn in His Side’). The respectful audience was extremely quiet, except during these humorous stories.”

There will not be any opening band, because Bragg has been around for ages (35 years!) and can easily play a three-hour set. Having said that each night will feature a different set list.

Night one: Current Career Spanning Set

Night two: Songs from the first Three Albums

Night three: Songs from the second Three Albums

Tour dates:

4/18 – 4/20 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN
4/25 – 4/27 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL
9/19 – 9/21 – The Birchmere – Alexandria, VA
9/26 – 9/28 – The Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY
10/3 – 10/5 –The Sinclair – Boston, MA

Other shows in the area:

Of Montreal at Fine Line Music Cafe Wishbone Ash at Wilebski's Blues Saloon Midwest Soul Xchange 2019 Tour Lady Lamb at 7th Street Entry Murlocs at Turf Club Sasami 2019 Tour Read More of Montreal The last time we saw this inventive live band, I mentioned that of Montreal will be releasing Aureate Gloom (Polyvinyl Records). Now that it's getting a .... Lady Lamb the Beekeeper Opening for Typhoon were the new-wave sounding Wild Ones and, to my delight, the also-quite-amazing Lady Lamb the Beekeeper (the musical alias of Aly Spaltro). Looking a bit like the Olsen ... Sasami The show started with Los Angeles’ Sasami (Sasami Ashworth). It felt like she was just in town (with King Tuff at the Turf Club in May 2018), so she seemed at home in Minneapolis. .…

OF MONTREAL
+ Yip Deceiver
Fine Line Music Café
Wed 04/17/2019 (8pm/$21)
finelinemusic.com

One of the most inventive, and fun, live band, Of Montreal will once again return to Minneapolis, at the Fine Line Music Café, this Wednesday, April 17.

Yip Deceiver to open.

Tour dates:

04/07/2019 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, FL
04/11/2019 Ottobar Baltimore, MD
04/12/2019 Elsewhere Brooklyn, NY
04/14/2019 Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
04/15/2019 Beachland BallroomCleveland, OH
04/17/2019 Fine Line Music Café Minneapolis, MN
04/18/2019 Royal Grove Lincoln, NE
04/20/2019 1884 Lounge Memphis, TN
04/22/2019 Trees Dallas, TX
04/24/2019 Mid City Ballroom Baton Rouge, LA
04/25/2019 Vinyl Music Hall Pensacola, FL
04/27/2019 Terminal West Atlanta, GA

WISHBONE ASH
Wilebski's Blues Saloon
Wed 04/17/2019 (9pm/$20)
wilebskiblues.com

Originally scheduled at Famous Dave’s, this upcoming Wishbone Ash show has moved to Wilebski's Blues Saloon in St Paul. All Famous Dave’s tickets will be honored at the new venue.

The UK classic rock act is on their “XLIX” (49) tour, in expectation of their 50th Anniversary.

Tour dates:

April 10 - The Soiled Dove - Denver, CO
April 12 - Knuckleheads - Kansas City, MO
April 13 - Wildey Theatre - Edwardsville, IL
April 14 - Wildey Theatre - Edwardsville, IL
April 16 - River Music Experience - Davenport, IA
April 17 - Wilebski's Blues Saloon - St. Paul, MN
April 18 - Back Room @ Colectivo - Milwaukee, WI
April 19 - Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL
April 20 - Fur Peace Ranch - Pomeroy, OH
April 22 - Club Cafe - Pittsburgh, PA
April 24 - Sportsmen's Tavern - Buffalo, NY
April 25 - Daryl's House Club - Pawling, NY
April 26 - Bull Run - Shirley, MA
April 27 - Boulton Center - Bay Shore, NY
April 28 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA
April 30 - The Tin Pan - Richmond, VA
May 1 - The Blue Note Grill - Durham, NC
May 2 - Rams Head on Stage - Annapolis, MD
May 3 - Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA
May 4 - The Record Collector - Bordentown, NJ

MIDWEST SOUL XCHANGE
Eagles #34
Wed 04/17/2019 (9pm/$6)
minneapoliseagles34.org

Wisconsin/Arizona folk rock duo Midwest Soul Xchange will be stopping by the Eagles #34 (also known as the Fraternal Order of Eagles #34) in Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 17th. Their latest album is a “rock opera” called Weakened at the Asylum.

Tour Dates:

04/13 Buster's Sports Bar, Mankato, MN
04/17 Eagles #34, Minneapolis, MN
04/18 Art In, Madison, WI
04/19 R'Noggin Brewing Co, Kenosha, WI
04/20 Tomahawk Room, Chippewa Falls, WI
04/21 Mackey's Hideout, McHenry, IL
04/22 White's Bar, Saginaw, MI
04/23 Mila’s Suburban Cafe, Englewood, Ohio
04/24 The Store, Chicago, IL
04/25 Moe's Tavern, Chicago, IL

LADY LAMB
+ Alex Schaaf, Renata Zeiguer
7th St Entry
Fri 04/19/2019 (7pm/$18)
first-avenue.com

Lady Lamb will be headlining the 7th Street Entry on Friday. We last saw Lady Lamb in Aug 2015 and said, “Lady Lamb, opened the evening with a focused 40 min. solo acoustic set featuring songs from her latest, After (on Mom + Pop Music). AKA Aly Spaltro, the singer/guitarist/banjo player from Maine mesmerized many in the folk-ready crowd, opening with ‘Crane Your Neck’, and played songs with peculiar titles like ‘Bird Balloons’ and ‘Spat Out Spit’.”

Show up early to check out Alex Schaaf and singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Renata Zeiguer. Zeiguer is releasing a new four-song cassette/digital EP Faraway Business on April 12th.

Tour Dates:

04/10/19 Hamden CT - SPACE Ballroom
04/11/19 Montreal QC - Le Ministère
04/12/19 Toronto ON - Drake Hotel
04/13/19 Pittsburgh PA - Club Cafe
04/15/19 Cleveland OH - Grog Shop
04/16/19 Detroit MI - Deluxx Fluxx
04/17/19 Chicago IL - Lincoln Hall
04/19/19 Minneapolis MN - 7th Street Entry
04/20/19 Milwakuee WI -Colectivo
04/22/19 Omaha NE - Reverb Lounge
04/24/19 Denver CO - Larimer Lounge
04/26/19 Salt Lake City UT - Kilby Court
04/27/19 Boise ID - OLYMPIC
04/29/19 Spokane WA - Bartlett

THE MURLOCS
+ Ohtis
Turf Club
Fri 04/19/2019 (8pm/$14)
turfclub.net

The Murlocs will be bringing their friends, Ohtis, on tour with them… the two bands will stop by the Turf Club on Friday, April 19th. Ohtis’ debut Curve of Earth is out now on Full Time Hobby.

Tour dates:

4/9 - Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom
4/10 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
4/12 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
4/13 - Vancouver, BC - The Fox Cabaret
4/14 - Seattle, WA - Barboza
4/16 - Bozeman, MT - Filling Station
4/19 - St. Paul, MN - Turf Club
4/20 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
4/21 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern

SASAMI
Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Sat 04/20/2019 (8pm/$12)
amsterdambarandhall.com

Los Angeles-based artist Sasami (stylized as SASAMI) is returning to the area, at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St Paul on Saturday, April 20th. SASAMI’s debut self-titled album is available for pre-order now on limited pressing clear vinyl with an exclusive 3" x 5" SASAMI transfer tattoo sheet, CD, and digital download.

Tour dates:

4/9 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
4/11 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir
4/12 - Seattle, WA - Barboza
4/13 - Vancouver, BC - Wise Hall
4/15 - Boise, ID @ Neurolux
4/17 - Denver, CO - Lost Lake
4/18 - Omaha, NE - Reverb
4/19 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
4/20 - St. Paul, MN - Amsterdam Bar and Hall
4/21 - Milwaukee, WI - Colectivo
4/23 - Chicago, IL - Schubas
4/24 - Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
4/25 - Toronto, ON - Baby G
4/26 - Montreal, QC - Quai Des Brumes
4/27 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
4/29 - Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA
4/30 - Brooklyn, NY - Elsewhere
5/3 - Washington, DC - DC9
5/4 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
5/5 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Café
5/6 - Nashville, TN - The Basement
5/8 - Dallas, TX - Three Links
5/9 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
5/12 - Arcosanti, AZ @ FORM

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

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry at the Cedar, Minneapolis (17 October 2016)

Setlist Railroad Bill (Bali Traditional Musicians cover) The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore (Jean Ritchie cover) John Henry (traditional) In the Pines (traditional) Waitin' for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers cover) Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot cover) Joe Henry Solo Trampoline After The War Shook up the World Our Song Freedom for the Stallion (Allen Toussaint cover) -- Intermission -- Billy Bragg Solo No One Knows Nothing Anymore King James Version Accident Waiting to Happen Why We Build the Wall (Anaïs Mitchell cover) There Is Power in a Union Railroading on the Great Divide (The Carter Family cover) Lonesome Whistle (Hank Williams cover) Rock Island Line (Lead Belly cover) Hobo's Lullaby (Goebel Reeves cover) Midnight Special (traditional) -- Encore -- Gentle on My Mind (John Hartford cover) Ramblin' Round (Woody Guthrie cover) Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .… Joe Henry After delivering two albums in the classic singer/songwriter mode, this 1993 release found Midwesterner Joe Henry headed for points deeper South, at least … .…

The Billy Bragg and Joe Henry’s “Shine a Light” tour made a stop at the Cedar Cultural Center station in Minneapolis last week.

To give you a backstory on these two legendary storytellers, they’ve teamed up to record Shine A Light: Field Recordings from The Great American Railroad (Cooking Vinyl). The songs were recorded railroad-themed songs at various points in their 2,728 miles journey across America, starting at the Chicago’s Union Station.

The two shared a love for the history of America and noted that the railroads really unified the country by connecting cities. To hear a railroad song was to actually hear history.

Every song on this album and what they played on their set had a special story and meaning to the two musicians. Hearing the two talk about their song choices, it was like hearing two very old and close friends get very excited about their mutual passion of history and music.

For American Joe Henry (who’s name is similar to John Henry the “Steel Driving Man”), we can see why he would love recording these railroad songs, but for Englishman Billy Bragg, we’re somewhat a little confused. Bragg explained, “Growing up in the UK, I’d always been aware of this tradition but when I traveled to the US, I was surprised to find how few people look to the railroad as a means of transport. With this project, we wanted to explore the transformative power that the coming of the railroad had on the lives of ordinary people by taking these songs back to the places that inspired their creation. Traveling on the train and recording the songs as we went allowed us to both visit places that were important 125 years ago when the lines were laid, but to also explore the viability of the railroad as a means of transport in the 21st century.”

Setlist

Billy & Joe decided to delay their show later than scheduled, because due to the over sold out status, people were still lining up to get in the venue. Before and after every song they played, they had great stories about them. After the Jimmie Rodgers cover ‘Waiting for a Train’, Bragg jokingly said that he was “the first Englishman to yodel since Morrissey.” (Referring to The Smiths’ ‘The Boy With the Thorn in His Side’). The respectful audience was extremely quiet, except during these humorous stories.

The show was divided in four parts: The first section featured both Billy & Joe playing “Shine a Light” songs. The second part is a five-song solo set by Joe Henry. He would play a few of his songs, as you can see from the setlist, starting with ‘Trampoline’.

Joe Henry

‘Shook up the World’ was dedicated to the late Muhammad Ali. The rather long song, was played on the house piano.

After the brief intermission, we’re treated to a Billy Bragg solo set. Bragg is known for his trademark protest songs, and demonstrated why he is simply one of the greatest songwriters in the world.

The last part of their show featured both Billy & Joe playing more “Shine a Light” songs.... saving John Hartford’s ‘Gentle on My Mind’ and Woody Guthrie’s ‘Ramblin’ Round’ for the double-song encore.

Billy Bragg and Joe Henry’s “Shine a Light” USA tour continues to San Francisco tomorrow and will end in Los Angeles on October 25th. The two will continue the tour in London in early November.

Remaining Tour Dates

10/24/16 San Francisco, CA Great American
10/25/16 Los Angeles, CA Downtown Palace
11/07/16 London, Union Chapel
11/08/16 London, Union Chapel
11/09/16 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
11/10/16 Brighton St.George's Church
11/12/16 Portsmouth New Theatre Royal
11/13/16 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre
11/14/16 Guildford G Live
11/15/16 Bury St Edmunds The Apex
11/17/16 Nottingham Playhouse
11/18/16 Manchester, Royal Northern
11/19/16 Lincoln The Engine Shed

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (17 October 2016)

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

Minneapolis: October 17, 2016

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on October 17, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Billy Bragg Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like … .…

BILLY BRAGG
at Cedar Cultural Center
Monday, 10/17/16, 7pm ($40/Sold Out)
thecedar.org

Protest singer Billy Bragg and Joe Henry is currently on their “Shine a Light Tour” in the USA, stopping by the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis this Monday, October 17th.

Their tour poster promises “classic railroad songs along with favorites from their own back catalogues.”

Of course, thanks to Billy Bragg’s legendary status and Joe Henry’s Grammy Award-winning albums... the Minneapolis show is sold out.

Trivia: We previously saw Joe Henry live with Beth Orton in 1999.

Tour Dates

10/15/16 Saint Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amph
10/17/16 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center
10/18/16 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall
10/19/16 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
10/21/16 Seattle, WA The Neptune
10/22/16 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
10/24/16 San Francisco, CA Great American
10/25/16 Los Angeles, CA Downtown Palace
11/07/16 London, Union Chapel
11/08/16 London, Union Chapel
11/18/16 Manchester, Royal Northern
01/26/17 Celtic Connections Festival
01/28/17 TradFest
04/15/17 Bluesfest

Read More Colbie Caillat As a Colbie Caillat since before she even released her first album (MySpace), I must say I don't LOVE this more pop-y, mainstream album, however the more I listen to it .…

COLBIE CAILLAT
at Fitzgerald Theatre
Monday, 10/17/16, 7:30pm ($44.50)
fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

Grammy Award-winning and multiplatinum selling singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat will be stopping by the Fitzgerald Theatre in St Paul, in support of her new album The Malibu Sessions (PlummyLou and RED Distribution).

Colbie explains the reason for her first-ever acoustic tour, “I’ve always wanted to play an acoustic tour. Showing the rawness of the songs I wrote in their natural state. The best part about this tour is that my band and openers are the people I wrote and recorded this record with, my best friends & my fiancé. We'll all be on one bus, including our dogs. Justin Young and High Dive Heart will be trading off 1st & 2nd opening slots each night and they will also be my band members. We’re playing my new album in its entirety from its running order. We’ll also be playing songs from previous albums and doing a Q&A. I've never been more excited for a tour than I am this one!”

Justin Young and High Dive Heart will be joining her on this tour.

The Malibu Sessions Acoustic Tour Dates:

10/14- Park City, UT @ Eccles Center
10/15- Fort Collins, CO @ Lincoln Center
10/17- Saint Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theatre
10/18- Kalamazoo, MI @ Kalamazoo State Theatre
10/19- Munhill, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall
10/21- Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
10/22- Columbus, OH @ Capitol Theatre
10/25- Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre
10/26- New York, NY @ Concert Hall
10/28- Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
10/29- Ridgefield, CT @ The Ridgefield Playhouse
10/30- Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere Music Hall
11/01- Nashville, TN @ Shermerhorn Symphony
11/02- Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage

Read More Chalk Also on the bill, local Chalk (not to be confused Salt Lake City's Chalk). The Minneapolis Chalk is described as "post-drake romantics". Their debut album, Haunted House, is available now. .…

CLEMENTINE
at 7th Street Entry
Monday, 10/17/16, 7:30pm ($7/$10)
first-avenue.com

Local band Clementine will be headlining their “Farewell For Now” show is this Monday, October 17th. According to the band, this will be their final show (but adding “for now”).

Local Ego Death (not to be confused with Canada’s solo project from singer-songwriter Joey Proteau) will be on the bill. We previously mentioned that they were on the “Very Murry Christmas” bill in 2015.

Also, Chalk and get thee to The Nunnery to open.

Additional details:

It's a season of endings, friends.

We are grateful for many things. We are grateful to be playing our beloved Entry one last time. We are grateful to be playing with three bands that have been very special to us over the last few years. We are grateful to you all that made this wonderful, weird experience something to cherish. We'll see ya at the show.

Ego Death will also appear with The Coax this November 11th at the Triple Rock Social Club. I believe the latter band used to be called Jack and the Coax... maybe they just got rid of Jack?

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

Billy Bragg

Read More Billy Bragg I really liked Billy Bragg's re-working of a 1931 song, "Which Side Are You On?", to reflect the working man and the union. You can really switch it around and make it a protest song against the police. …

Modern day troubadour and activist Billy Bragg is well known in the music world for his passionate topical songwriting. In the vein of late heroes and colleagues like Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer, Bragg used his electric guitar as a weapon against injustice. But anyone familiar with such classic albums as 1986’s Talking With the Taxman About Poetry and 1988’s Workers Playtime knows that Bragg also has a talent for crafting tender love songs. The new millenium has seen several new releases from Bragg; solo cuts like 2008’s Mr. Love and Justice and 2011’s Fight Songs, 2002’s England, Half English with his band the Blokes and two more Mermaid Avenue albums with Wilco. In March, Bragg released his 15th studio album titled Tooth & Nail, a collection of rootsy tunes that were all recorded live, without overdubs. Bragg has toured around the UK and is now in the states in support of the album.

Seeing Bragg live is certainly a must for any music fan. He’s truly a one-of-a-kind performer! I saw him at the Fine Line in 2006 and was delighted at Bragg’s warm, engaging stage presence, his humor and his great storytelling.  He’ll be playing in Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center on September 26th.

Tour dates:

09/19/13 "Americana Music Conference" 09/22/13 St. Louis, MO Old Rock House 09/24/13 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom 09/26/13 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center 09/27/13 Evanston, IL SPACE 09/28/13 Evanston, IL SPACE 09/29/13 Kent, OH Kent Stage 10/01/13 Millvale, PA Mr. Small's Theatre 10/02/13 State College, PA State Theatre 10/03/13 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest Cafe 10/05/13 "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" 10/06/13 San Francisco, CA Great American 11/02/13 "New Fall Festival" 11/03/13 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg 11/04/13 Brussels, Belgium Ancienne Belgique 11/06/13 Malmo, Sweden Kulturbolaget 11/07/13 Oslo, Norway Parkteatret 11/08/13 Goteborg, Sweden Pusterviksbaren

11/10/13 Hamburg, Germany Fabrik Hamburg 11/11/13 Berlin, Germany Heimathafen Neukoelin 11/13/13 Karlsruhe, Germany Tollhaus 11/14/13 Munich, Germany Strom 11/15/13 Frankfurt, Germany Batschkapp 11/18/13 Cambridge, UK Cambridge Corn 11/19/13 Derby, UK Assembly Rooms 11/20/13 Bristol, UK Colston Hall 11/22/13 Cardiff, UK St. David's Hall 11/24/13 Birmingham, UK Symphony Hall 11/25/13 Leeds, UK Town Hall 11/26/13 Manchester, UK The Bridgewater Hall 11/27/13 Glasgow, UK Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 11/28/13 Gateshead, UK Sage Gateshead 11/30/13 Sheffield, UK Sheffield City Hall 12/01/13 London, UK Royal Festival Hall 12/02/13 Southampton, UK Southampton Guildhall 12/04/13 Frome, UK Cheese & Grain 12/05/13 Exeter, UK Great Hall

emily () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ billybragg.co.uk

W♥M180: The National

W♥M180 (34 mins) Read More The National I won't give any spoilers, but if you stay for the closing credits, you'll hear The National's song, "The Rains Of Castamere". The song was performed by Bronn and company at a tavern at the beginning of the episode. .…

This week on W♥M Radio: John.

NEWS: THIS WEEK IN DEATH

Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman was killed due to an alcohol-related cirrhosis (which is an alcoholic liver disease due to years of drinking), a coroner has confirmed. Hanneman died May 2nd, cause of death was revealed by Slayer's official statement: "While he had his health struggles over the years, including the recent Necrotizing fasciitis infection that devastated his well-being, Jeff and those close to him were not aware of the true extent of his liver condition until the last days of his life. Contrary to some reports, Jeff was not on a transplant list at the time of his passing, or at any time prior to that. In fact, by all accounts, it appeared that he had been improving – he was excited and looking forward to working on a new record."

Mac Daddy (Chris Kelly) passed away May 1st, due to drug overdose in Atlanta (according to TMZ). Kelly was one half of the popular 90s duo Kris Kross, who was famous for their hits "Jump" and "I Miss the Bus" - and for wearing their clothes backwards. Kelly was 34 years old.

ENGLAND DREAMING

Brody (Georgia) and Jess (California) are in the UK this month. I am setting up some shows for them, these are the ones Brody requested:

May 15th Diiv @ Heaven (London) (Canceled)
May 15th Lucy Rose at Junction, Cambridge
May 19th Noah and The Whale @ Palace Theater (London)
May 20th On An On @ Cargo (London)

Notes: London and Cambridge are nowhere near each other (it is about 50 miles apart, you need to take a train or a coach/bus). Good luck!

Also: Great Escape Festival (mamacolive.com/thegreatescape) - May 16-May 18 in Brighton. They wanted to attend one UK music festival, and this one is it (most of the major ones, Glastonbury, Reading are probably sold out and logistically not within reach). Festival tickets for Great Escape are now sold out. Headliners are: Bastille (Saturday), Billy Bragg (Friday), and Everything Everything (Thursday). Plus one million other smaller support acts.

SPRING NEVER CAME, WE'RE STILL IN WINTER

Month of April was incredibly busy for shows - the last week, John was at these events:

04/22 Proclaimers at Varsity Theater
04/23 Airborne Toxic Event at First Ave
04/24 Poliça at First Avenue
04/27 Mat Kearney at University of Minnesota
04/28 Palma Violet at 7th Street
05/06 Colourist at Triple Rock (Vu)

Upcoming (mostly mentioned here)

05/14 Limp Bizkit at Varsity
05/14 Joshua Radin at Dakota Jazz Club
05/15 Star Trek: Into Darkness
05/15 Presets/Dragonette at First Ave
05/17 Shout Out Louds and Haerts at Varsity Theater
05/17 Youth Lagoon at 7th Street

SONG OF THE SHOW

"Don't Swallow the Cap" is the new lead single from the forthcoming National's album, Trouble Will Find Me (May 20th, 2013 via 4AD Records).

--
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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com

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