W♥M

Lizzo at First Avenue, Minneapolis (06 February 2016)

Lizzo Setlist Ain't I Betcha Ride Humanize Bother Me B.G.S.W. The Fade 1 Deep The Realest En Love Grrrl Prty Set GRRRL Anthem Night Watch Poppin’ My Skin Jang a Lang -- Encore -- Happy Birthday To You with Har Mar Superstar Let 'Em Say with Caroline Smith Batches and Cookies with Sophia Eris Faded Tour Dates Feb 13 - MojaMoja Brunch - Los Angeles, CA Feb 17 - Daytrotter Downs - Davenport, IA Feb 18 - Subterranean - Chicago, IL ^ Feb 19 - Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI ^ Feb 20 - Turner Hall Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI ^ May 20 - 22 - Hangout Music - Gulf Shores, AL May 27- 29 - Boston Calling Music - Boston, MA Jun 09 - 12 - Bonnaroo - Manchester, TN ^ w/ Cavanaugh Read More Lizzo We’re very proud of local Lizzo making it “big” outside of Minneapolis. The grrrl recently premiered her single/music video for "Humanize" Video on the Guardian. Her album Big GRRRL ...

Lizzo is not a small girl. Her tagline is "Big GRRRL, Small World". She has curves and isn't afraid to show them off as she proved last night when she came out in a leotard type outfit with a jacket on top. She didn't care that her legs would jiggle as she danced. She made fun of people staring at her butt multiple times. She was beautiful and she was doing it, jiggle and all. To see someone get on stage in front of a sold out First Avenue show (about 1,500 people) and flaunt what they have even though it's not the standard, that's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Lizzo's music is just as, if not more, beautiful than she is. She can get down and dirty with the best rappers in the scene. She can spit words like fire when she needs to and you can still understand every single word. She can spout off these lines while completely commanding the crowd and moving all over the stage. Then there are times when Lizzo's voice gets so soulful that you get those goosebumps creeping up your arms and down your neck. Regardless of what style Lizzo is singing, she does it flawlessly every time.

Grrrl Prty

In the middle of the set, an impromptu Grrrl Prty set took place. I have seen Grrl Prty before and they always bring the house down. Okay, maybe these things weren't too surprising, they were actually quite predictable because of who Lizzo is and the crowd she runs with but, it was still super exciting and fun.

The night was full of surprises. Local legends Har Mar Superstar and Caroline Smith ended up joining Lizzo on stage towards the end of her set. It happened to be Har Mar's birthday so, of course, we had to sing happy birthday to the legend. Caroline Smith did a great collaboration with Lizzo for the song “Let ‘Em Say” and seeing them perform it live was a dream come true.

DJ Sophia Eris

The crowd was electric from the beginning of DJ Sophia Eris' opening set (she is a member of Grrrl Prty and Lizzo's DJ) to the very end of Lizzo's set.

Lizzo played her new album Big Grrrl Small World from front to back and ended with her hit song, and my favorite song of hers, “Faded”. It didn't matter if it was a fast rap song that she was playing or if it was a soulful ballad. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand, right where they belonged.

The whole professionalism of the show was off the charts. I remember the first couple of times I saw Lizzo. It wasn't bad, she was always great, but last night seemed completely different. It's crazy to see an artist grow so much within such a short period of time. Her show was put together. Every movement has a purpose and every word, whether in a song or in between songs, was said (or sung) with conviction. Lizzo's dancers never missed a step and she never missed a note.

Lizzo seemed truly humbled by the sold out crowd. She fought back tears of joy as she thanked the crowd from the bottom of her heart. Every word she said was just as genuine as every lyric she sang.

Last night was a great night to celebrate a truly amazing woman. Lizzo is a force to be reckoned with and stands for something that I can completely get behind-- keeping it real.

Lizzo at First Avenue, Minneapolis (06 February 2016)

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

Lizzo and Caroline Smith at First Avenue, Minneapolis (27 Sep 2014)

Photo Gallery Lizzo and Caroline Smith Lizzo and Caroline Smith Lizzo and Caroline Smith Setlist Setlist Let 'Em Say All That I Know Is (I'm Your Baby) Push It Batches & Cookies Buy Me Something Tanktop ;;; W.E.R.K Pt. II Hot Dish Lizzie Borden Half About Go Kind of Man Bloodstyle Bloodlines F**** A***** Grrrl Anthem Bus Passes and Happy Meals Wut U Mean Walking Off The One Thing Magazine Child of Moving Faded -- Encore -- Run the World Read More Lizzo Lizzo, The Grrrl Prty hip-hopper considered Rock the Garden a “some day” gig and was honored to open the event. We last saw her showing her impressive soul chops ... Caroline Smith Beginning the evening on the good foot was Minneapolis-based singer Caroline Smith, whose freshly released new album, Half About Being a Woman (United Interests) ...

It was a typical grrrl prty with Lizzo and Caroline Smith at First Avenue last night, as they unite to celebrate women power.

Co-sponsored by The Women's Foundation of Minnesota, 89.3 The Current, and Radio K, Saturday's show was quickly sold out, so they stepped in and added another show on Friday. Unlike the Friday show, Saturday's show started much later than originally scheduled (Lizzo & Caroline set time were listed at 9:15pm, but in fact they started after 10pm).

Grrrl Prty presents Tawst

The party started with Grrrl Prty presents Tawst, which were two DJs, Shannon Blowtorch and Sophia Eris, from Grrrl Prty. The two kept the floor moving, as they live mix (and sometime Eris would sing over) their favorite dance hits, from Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" to Mystikal's "Shake ya Ass" to Lauryn Hill's "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" ... but they seem to have a thing for House of Pain, as they used "Jump" in the beginning and near the end of their nearly hour-long set.

The Caroline Smith and Lizzo tag team is interesting, only because they are from two different music genre: Lizzo in the alternative hip hop and DJ scene with bands like The Chalice and Grrrl Prty, while Smith was originally from the folk/Americana scene, then pivot to more of a neo-soul sound. The extra long show proved that the two music genre can co-exist, and, yes, can seamlessly flow from one performer to another.

With that said, the two stormed out strong with their new single, "Let 'Em Say", and then Smith faded in the background as Lizzo took charge of her songs and vice versa on Smiths-lead songs. The way the two wrote the setlist, each singer had their moment in the spotlight and it made for a nice flow.

The only thing consistent was that the band, The Good Night Sleeps (complete with soul backup singers and a live DJ/keys), remained on stage throughout the two hour set (!) and playing backup music to all the songs live - except for the rare exception of being 'kick off the stage' after "F**** A*****" and then leaving the stage and returning for the encore.

Interestingly enough, Lizzo covered Salt-n-Pepa's song "Push It", however it sounded much different live, so different that I wouldn't even call it a cover (the key rift was not played and it was stripped down to just the "Oooh baby baby" part with some of the rap part). The other Lizzo highlight was her ability to play a flute as the intro to "Bloodline".

Not a surprise, but Grrrl Prty joined Lizzo and Smith on stage for a couple of songs, and of course, during the encore.... however when Lizzo and Caroline Smith (and the rest of Grrrl Prty) took off their clothes and started dancing in their underwear on stage after "Magazine", that was an interesting surprise! Sorry fellas, I didn't snap any pictures out of respect for the ladies; you just had to be there.

Who knows when the next Lizzo and Caroline Smith show will be, with Lizzo heading out on tour to the UK, but the next time these two get together - you should be there for the grrrl prty. Lizzo and Caroline's single "Let 'Em Say" is out now and proceeds benefits the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.

Lizzo and Caroline Smith, with Grrrl Prty, at First Avenue, Minneapolis (27 Sep 2014)

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

Minneapolis Music Guide: September 21 - September 27, 2014

Here is the weekly guide of some Minneapolis live concerts and events from September 14 to September 20.

Read More Meiko Meiko has just covered Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", and she's made it available as a free download on her website. Hear the song now … Buddy Buddy opened up the show. He's normally a seven-piece band, but he's traveling light on this Buddy/Meiko teamup. He started off with "Apologize (If You Tried)," then quickly launched into his Gray's Anatomy song, "Say A Lot." …

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
LORING PASTA BAR
Meiko

Look, we like Meiko, okay? She has a new yet-untitled album coming out next month via PledgeMusic, and it looks like she's heading out on tour in support of said-album.

Meiko at SXSW 2009 Austin, Texas

I have seen Meiko a few times, once at SXSW 2009 and semi-recently at 7th Street Entry in 2012.

For this upcoming Fall/Winter 2014 tour, she will feature the same opener, Buddy, from the last tour. Buddy has a new album called Last Call For The Quiet Life, which came out August 19 via Stove Punchin' Records.

Also, please note that the show will take place at the Loring Pasta Bar (right next to the Varsity) and the show starts late (9pm) and is 18+ only. If I know anything about Meiko, it is that she used to waitress, and she'll definitely be reminding you that you need to tip your waiters/waitress at least 20%.

Meiko US tour dates:

09/19/14 Ames, IA Iowa State University
09/21/14 Minneapolis, MN Loring Pasta Bar
09/24/14 Evanston, IL SPACE
09/30/14 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theatre
10/01/14 Athens, GA The Melting Point
10/02/14 Decatur, GA Eddie's Attic
10/04/14 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley
10/14/14 Los Angeles, CA Bootleg Theater
10/18/14 Costa Mesa, CA The Wayfarer
10/19/14 Hermosa Beach, CA Saint Rocke
10/25/14 Dallas, TX Lake Cliff Park
10/26/14 Austin, TX Stubb's Bar-B-Q
11/03/14 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
11/05/14 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
12/11/14 San Francisco, CA Brick & Mortar Music Hall

Read More The War on Drugs Although Kurt Vile is no longer in The War On Drugs, the Philadelphia is proving that they can survive without Vile with a string of sold-out shows. The shoegazey band is currently out on tour in support of their latest release …

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
FIRST AVENUE
The War On Drugs w/ Califone

Philadelphia's The War on Drugs are stronger and more popular than ever. The band sold out First Avenue in Minneapolis, that they were forced to add another show for September 23rd. So here is your chance to grab tickets before the second show sells out...

The War On Drugs are currently touring in support of their 2014 Lost In The Dream (Secretly Canadian), which was picked as #21 in Pitchfork's "The 100 Best Albums Of The Decade So Far."

USA Tour dates:

09/15 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
09/16 -Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews
09/17 -Columbus, OH @ Newport
09/19 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
09/20 -Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
09/21 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre
09/22 -Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave
09/23 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave
09/24 -Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room
09/26 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
09/27 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
09/28 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's
10/01 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
10/02 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
10/03 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
10/04 - Sacramento, CA @ TBD Festival
10/05 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/06 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/09 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
10/10 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
10/11 - Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre
10/12 -St. Louis, MO @ Ready Room
10/13 -Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
10/15 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
10/16 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
10/17 - Saxapahaw, NC @ Haw River Ballroom

Read More Atmosphere Imagine Dragons and Atmosphere concert for FREE? WHAT?????? That's what I said when we discussed this free Target All-Star Concert presented by Budweiser event last month. …

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
CLYDE IRON WORKS
Atmosphere w/ Prof

Please note that Clyde Iron Works is located in Duluth, Minnesota. I've never been there before, but I would think this is a smaller than the usual venue that superstar rapper Atmosphere and his usual Rhymesayers crew will ever play at.... so for hardcore fans, you might want to take that hour+ drive up north to catch this show (especially because the November show at First Avenue is sold out).

The tour is called "North of Hell" Tour:

09.16.14 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater
09.18.14 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
09.19.14 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
09.20.14 Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen
09.23.14 Duluth, MN Clyde Iron Works
11.04.14 Columbia, MO The Blue Note
11.05.14 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
11.06.14 Little Rock, AR Juanita's Cantina
11.09.14 Dallas, TX House of Blues
11.10.14 Houston, TX House of Blues
11.11.14 New Orleans, LA Tipitina's
11.12.14 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
11.14.14 Richmond, VA The National
11.15.14 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live
11.16.14 New York, NY Terminal 5
11.17.14 New Haven, CT Toad's Place
11.18.14 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak
11.20.14 Indianapolis, IN Vogue Theater
11.21.14 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection
11.22.14 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
11.23.14 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
11.02.14 Iowa City, IA Blue Moose Tap House

Weekend shows (Minneapolis)

Weekend cures for the MN Winter Blues

The Current's 9th Birthday Party photo credit: thecurrent.org Read More The Current Local alternative public radio station 89.3 The Current held its 2nd Public Music Meeting at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul last night. This open session gave their listening public a chance …

FRIDAY/SATURDAY

89.3 The Current- 9th birthday Party concerts

Local alt/indie Public Radio station 89.3 FM- The Current celebrates its ninth birthday of changing the Minnesota airwaves, with a two-night celebration in First Avenue’s Mainroom, bringing together several of the most notable local music artists. Friday night brings together Actual Wolf, Strange Names, Lizzo, and Har Mar Superstar while Saturday’s lineup is The Cactus Blossoms, Howler, Heiruspecs, and Caroline Smith. Special guests have been known to make surprise appearances (Prince had his guitar set up one year, but never made it to the stage), so clearly anything can happen.

Friday night is sold out, with only a small handful of tickets available for Saturday; but fear not, those who can’t make it inside the doors of First Avenue, can still tune in to the live on-air broadcast here: thecurrent.org/listen

Lineup:

Friday Actual Wolf Strange Names Lizzo Har Mar Superstar

Saturday Cactus Blossoms Howler Heiruspecs Caroline Smith

Cate Le Bon with Kevin Morby photo credit: catelebon.com Read More Cate Le Bon Welsh singer/songwriter Cate Le Bon’s new album, Mug Museum, is her first recorded outside of her homeland – deep in the dark heart of the entertainment empire …

SATURDAY

Cate Le Bon w/Kevin Morby

Welsh native Cate Le Bon returns to town, for an intimate show at the 7th Street Entry, promoting her latest release, Mug Museum (Turnstile Records). Mug Museum, in part inspired by her grandmother’s recent death, features somewhat dark lyrics delivered with dreamlike, sometimes psychedelic and haunting vocals. A recent movie to California has injected more melody to her songs, bringing some sunshine into her Wales cloudiness, as evidenced on “I Think I Knew”, a duet with Perfume Genius.

Kevin Morby of Brooklyn band, The Babies (and bassist for Woods), opens the show with selections from his solo debut, Harlem River (Woodsist Records), an homage to New York City and which Cate LeBon guests on track, “Slow Train”.

Show details:
Presented by Radio K
Saturday, January 25, 2014 - 8:00pm
$12.00, 18+

St. Lucia at Fine Line Music Café Poster photo credit: first-avenue.com Yellowcard Poster photo credit: yellowcardrock.com Read More Yellowcard It's been ten years since Yellowcard's best known album Ocean Avenue was released, and to honor the occasion, the band is releasing Ocean Avenue Acoustic. In their own words …

SUNDAY

St. Lucia w/ Sir Sly

South Africa by-way-of Brooklyn artist St. Lucia brings worldly beat with 80s influences to the Fine Line Music Café, in a show that was upgraded from the smaller 7th St. Entry. Promoting their first full-length, When the Night (Neon Gold/Columbia), St. Lucia (aka Jean-Philip Grobler) brings a full band and energetic performance with recent setlists showing they even sneak in a Chaka Khan cover version. LA trio Sir Sly opens the show, promoting their latest EP, Ghost (Neon Gold/Columbia) with their “monochromatic blend of vigilante pop”, which has been described as reminiscent of a “chillwave Coldplay”.

Johnny Flynn w/The Melodic

Johnny Flynn: Country Mile Transgressive / Thirty Tigers

Those that remember the local concert beginnings of the current UK alt-folk wave will recall that Flynn famously headlined the 2008 show at the now-defunct 400 Bar that featured openers Laura Marling with a little backing band known as Mumford and Sons. Flynn, now out supporting his third full-length, Country Mile (Transgressive Records) draws inspiration from subjects as diverse as TS Eliot, Einstein, and Hank Williams, and brings Flynn back to his singer-songwriter roots, after some dabbling in acting that included Shakespeare plays at the Globe and appearing in an upcoming Anne Hathaway film.

Brixton, UK folk/afro pop band The Melodic open, in support of their worldbeat influenced debut, Effra Parade (Anti Records) at this Turf Club hosted show.

The Wailers w/British Dependency

The Wailers Poster photo: first-avenue

The current incarnation of Bob Marley’s famous backing band hits the First Avenue Mainroom stage to play reggae classics from the greatest hits album, Legend (Island Records) in its entirety. Bassist and elder reggae statesman Aston “Family Man” Barrett leads the full band lineup in a performance at First Avenue that can be no doubt described as “Hit-Filled”…in more ways than one. Island trio British Dependency opens the show with their unique blend of “roots, heart and soul music”.

Yellowcard w/What’s Eating Gilbert

Jacksonville, FL pop-punk band Yellowcard is still going strong, even after over 15 years in the business. Their latest tour and release, Ocean Avenue Acoustic (Hopeless/Universal) celebrates the 10th anniversary and a re-interpretation of the seminal album that put the band on the national map. Expect a two-set performance with Ocean Avenue in its entirety and a smattering of other Yellowcard classics from their back catalogue. New Found Glory offshoot band, What's Eating Gilbert opens this night at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires w/ Caroline Smith - First Avenue, Minneapolis (Dec. 5, 2013) concert review

Setlist instrumental intro Lovebug Blues Crying in the Chapel This World (is Going up in Flames) Where Do We Go From Here You Put the Flame On It instrumental Hurricane Heart of Gold Lovin' You Baby Strictly Reserved For You Confusion All I’m Askin’ -- Encore -- This Love Ain't Big Enough For the Both of Us > Doing it to Death (Gonna Have a Funky Good Time) Victim of Love instrumental outro Charles Bradley Tour Dates 12/11 • Centre in the Square • Kitchener, Canada 12/12 • Kool Haus • Toronto, ON, Canada 12/13 • Ritual • Ottawa, ON, Canada 12/14 • Higher Ground • S. Burlington, VT 12/31 • First Night • Pittsburgh, PA 01/16 • 9:30 Club • Washington, DC 01/17 • Bowery Ballroom • New York, NY 01/18 • Music Hall • Brooklyn, NY 01/24 • Bearsville Theater • Woodstock, NY 01/25 • The Wolf Den • Uncasville, CT 02/05 • Pearl Street • Northampton, MA 02/06 • The Columbus Theatre • Providence, RI 02/07 • House of Blues • Boston, MA 02/08 • Electric Factory • Philadelphia, PA 02/22 • NZ Festival • Wellington 02/23 • NZ Festival • Wellington 02/25 • Perth Festival • Perth, Australia 02/28 • Adelaide Festival • Adelaide 03/02 • The Basement • Sydney, Australia 03/04 • The Hifi • Brisbane, Australia 03/06 • Corner Hotel • Melbourne, Australia 03/07 • Melbourne Zoo Twilights • Melbourne 03/08 • Golden Plains Festival • Meredith 03/09 • Panama Fest • North East Tasmania Read More Charles Bradley The Screaming Eagle of Soul sure does know how to drum up the excitement. Tuesday night at the Cedar Cultural Center, after excellent opener Paul and His Tall Trees exited the stage… Caroline Smith Minneapolis' Caroline Smith is pleased to announce her December tour dates with Charles Bradley, she will be playing songs from her new album Half About Being a Woman.…

You may know him as “The Screaming Eagle of Soul”,

…or “Black Velvet”, “Black Rose”, “Casanova of Love”, or maybe “The Reverend of Love” – As Extraordinaires organist/hypeman Mike Deller introduced soul singing Charles Bradley to the Mainroom stage at Minneapolis’ First Avenue, the 65 year-old brought down the house with an almost 2hr.long performance that’s showed he’s still getting started, at an age when most people are deciding to retire.

CAROLINE SMITH

Beginning the evening on the good foot was Minneapolis-based singer Caroline Smith, whose freshly released new album, Half About Being a Woman (United Interests), is getting great local buzz/airplay and growing acclaim. Call this Caroline Smith: version 2.0, as she has evolved her gentler indie-folk rock past into a neo-soul hybrid with soaring Joss Stone-esque vocals on stunning songs like the title track, ‘Buy Me Something’, and current single, ‘Magazine’.

Caroline Smith with full band

The new tracks preach a joy of empowerment, independence, and a return to “feel-good music” that had the crowd in her hand from the very beginning, and not just because she’s local. ‘Walking Off Strong’ and ‘Bloodstyle’, both also from the new record, showed her range and comfort with the transformed r&b style, and proved her songwriting and talent is worth the notice it’s starting to get nationally.

Following the intermission, seven-piece soul band, The Extraordinaires took the stage for a three-song instrumental introduction. Caito Sanchez (drums); Paul Schalda (guitar); Freddy DeBoe (tenor sax); Billy Austik (trumpet); Alex Chakour (guitar); Mike Deller (organ); and Vince Chiarito (bass) set the stage ably for the main attraction to enter, Bradley wearing a sequined red-orange jumpsuit with eagle on the back and winged skull belt buckle.

Starting with ‘Love Bug Blues’, Chiarito’s bass thumped a Stax-like rhythm and the crowd was immediately bitten, and swooned with Bradley’s impassioned call to “burn!”

Bradley’s story itself is one of ultimate inspiration – abandoned and homeless as a youth, and hardship years struggling as a James Brown impersonator before being discovered and launched as a solo artist by Daptone Records, as chronicled in last year’s moving documentary, Soul of America. Bradley’s second full-length, Victim of Love (Daptone/Dunham) also became the theme of the night, as he figuratively embraced the crowd of “brothers and sisters” in a soul-splashed shower of love and joy throughout his performance. The heartfelt ‘Crying in the Chapel’ was next, Bradley singing with conviction as if his life depended on it, his style taking obvious influence from James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding, while making it into something all his own.

“Let your little heart shine!” Bradley declared before a bouncy ‘You Put the Flame on It’, with transformative lyrics reminiscent of ‘My Girl’. “We DID put the flame on you people!”, organist Deller stated after, as Bradley ducked offstage for a costume change, before being brought back for a “loose and funky” ‘Hurricane’.

A horn-filled cover of Neil Young’s ‘Heart of Gold’ made us all believers that he’d indeed “crossed an ocean for a heart of gold” and his tender side came out for the crooning ‘Lovin’ You Baby’. ‘Strictly Reserved for You’ received one of the loudest receptions of the evening, Bradley spinning, strutting, and emoting, while guitarist Schalda worked his effects pedal soloing.

‘Confusion’ was a driving psychedelic number, while main set closer ‘All I’m Askin’ was prefaced by Bradley noticing all the smiles in the crowd and another thematic sermon on love.

The encore started somewhat somberly, with Bradley revealing his mother, who had just turned 90, has been critically ill back in New York. In spite of this, she had urged him to “go out and share your love”; so composing himself, dove into a more-than-funky mix of early single, ‘This Love Ain't Big Enough For the Both of Us’ which segued into James Brown’s ‘Doing it to Death’. Bradley’s Soul Brotha #1-like moves were on full display- feet shuffling, mic stand tipping, and arms outreached.

CHARLES BRADLEY

“We always like to take this song with us”, Bradley intro’d the title track to his latest, ‘Victim of Love’, a heartfelt final song dedicated this night to his ailing mother, with a stirring story about the power of love, a bible given to him, and making a difference in the world. As he exited the stage, the party didn’t stop as band continued playing for a full outro.

This was a performance of great positive affirmation, from a top-notch band and a man finding his second chance in life didn’t pass him by, and who returns back the love and affection shown to him nightly. Charles Bradley brought the love on this night - a perfect, warm feeling to exit on, back outside into a cold and snowy December evening.

Charles Bradley at First Avenue, Minneapolis (12/05/13)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Girls Girls Girls: Priscilla Ahn, Elizabeth & The Catapult, Caroline Smith and Betty Black

Read More Priscilla Ahn Priscilla Ahn has been playing guitar since she was 14 and grew up in Pennsylvania. She considered studying music in college, but a professor advised her to pursue a career in music instead.…

PRISCILLA AHN
priscillaahn.com

Priscilla Ahn was just recently on tour in China (see photo), where apparently she had trouble with her facebook because of the Great Firewall of China.

Anyway, we recently saw Selena Gomez and she loved Anh and covered one of her most well-known song, "Dream".

What's new with Ahn? She is back with a new record called This is Where We Are and it's coming out February 25th on SQE Music. The leading single is called "Diana", which will be unveiled December 10th.

The new album was written during a trip to the desert, in a hotel room outside Palm Springs. This is Where We Are is said to evolve from her singer/songwriter acoustic music that she's known for. Instead, this new guitar-based collection of songs ventures to dreamy electro-pop bliss, etc.

Ahn explains, "For me, this album was about finally finding my voice again as a songwriter and a singer. This Is Where We Are portrays who I am now and another side of myself that I'd never really been able to show in other albums."

Read More Elizabeth and the Catapult The last time we mentioned Elizabeth and the Catapult, the song "Race You", went straight to the top ten on The Hype Machine. And it's easy to see why, the song is such a fun and cute pop song.…

ELIZABETH & THE CATAPULT
elizabethandthecatapult.com

A few years ago, we took a road trip to Iowa and I had Elizabeth & The Catapult's album Taller Children in my car. We listened to it on the drive, and we loved it.

Elizabeth & the Catapult, it would seem, is back with a new record called Like it Never Happened, which is coming out Juanuary 21st on Scratchback Records with marketing and distribution provided by Thirty Tigers/RED. You can hear the new single on Soundcloud.

The origin of this album is a result of singer Elizabeth Ziman's creative labors over the past year and a half. After splitting with Verve Records, for their second album The Other Side of Zero, Ziman took to busking in the subways New York to teach herself how to play guitar.

If you live in New York, Ziman will be doing some residency:

12/14 Brooklyn, NY Milk and Roses
12/16 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall 3
12/23 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall 3
12/31 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall 3
01/21 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
01/22 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall
01/24 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live
01/25 Vienna, VA Jammin’ Java

Read More Caroline Smith Caroline Smith, with her full band, is celebrating her record release for Half About Being A Woman at First Avenue in Minneapolis last night, September 27th.…

CAROLINE SMITH
carolinesmithcarolinesmith.com

Minneapolis' Caroline Smith is pleased to announce her December tour dates with Charles Bradley, she will be playing songs from her new album Half About Being a Woman.

December tour dates with Charles Bradley:

12/04 Madison, WI@ High Noon Saloon
12/05 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
12/06 Chicago, IL @ The Metro
12/07 Bloomington, IN @ Bluebird
12/08 Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme

Smith will be on a full album headlining tour next year:

02/19 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
02/20 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
02/21 Louisville, KY @ Zanzibar
02/22 Nashville, TN @ High Watt
02/25 Atlanta, GA @ Eddie's Attic
02/26 Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
02/27 Washington DC @ Jammin Java
02/28 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
03/01 Boston, MA @ Cafe 939
03/04 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
03/05 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
03/06 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
03/07 Columbus, OH @ Woodland's Tavern

Read More Betty Black Let me know if I'm getting this right, Sylvia Gordon (of Kudu), is also known as Silvia Black, and her latest music project, she is known as Betty Black. Her forthcoming EP is called Slow Dance Out , to be released June 28th on Frau Pink …

BETTY BLACK
bettyblack.net

Texas' Betty Black (aka Sylvia Black) is back with Fatality of Love (The Remix EP)*, available now via KID Recordings. The EP, as the title implies, are mixes and remixes by Aram, avant-garde drummer/artist and former KUDU band mate Deantoni Parks and French producer/composer Pino Rastovitch. Rounding out the final song on the EP is a new song called "Possessed".

Hear one of the remix now on soundcloud.com:



Fatality of Love (The Remix EP) Tracklist:

1.Fatality of Love
2.Fatality of Love (Aram Mix)
3.Fatality of Love (Deantoni Parks Fatal Mix)
4.Fatality of Love (Pino Rastovitch Mix)
5.Possessed

* The title track taken from her album Bad Weather.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Caroline Smith at First Avenue, Minneapolis (09/27/13)

Tour Dates 10/05 Milwaukee, WI @ Riverwest Public House 10/08 Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks 10/09 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge 10/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle 10/11 North Bennington, VT @ Vermont Arts Exch 10/12 Middlebury, VT@ Middlebury College 10/13 Providence, RI @ Columbus Theater 10/16 Scranton, PA @ The Bog 10/17 Wilmington, DE @ World Cafe Live 10/18 Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Tavern 10/22 St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway 11/02 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe's 11/08 Chicago, IL @ The Hideout Read More Caroline Smith Well, that wasn't a surprise. After hearing about Caroline Smith's new album coming out soon-ish since June, it's official now. Her latest album is called Half About Being A Woman.… Solid Gold Andrew brought this to my attention: former Solid Gold guitarist Paulie Heenan was killed. When I interviewed Solid Gold in 2009, Heenan was not with the band.…

Caroline Smith, with her full band, is celebrating her record release for Half About Being A Woman at First Avenue in Minneapolis last night, September 27th.

TOKI WRIGHT

To help with the album launch, Rhymesayers' Toki Wright warmed up the audience with help from Big Cats on the turntables and Lydia Liza working the backup vocals. Wright look like natural on stage, knowing exactly how to work the crowd. Songs on their set seem like perhaps recent collaboration with Lydia, but there was an oldie (2011) in there called "Baldwin Rebirth".

Highlight from this set was when Wright was trying to remind the audience that the Caroline Smith album Half About Being A Woman is out now and you should buy it, "Don't act broke, I see that beer!"

SOLID GOLD

It's been a few years since I saw Solid Gold, so it was nice to see them again. They seem to have a lot of dedicated fans, who showed up just to see the band perform. They didn't do their hit song "Get Over It"… which I suppose I should 'get over it'. Instead, the band concentrated on songs from 2012's Eat Your Young, but throwing in songs like "Bible Thumper" from their debut Bodies of Water into the mix. They ended their set with a jam-version of the Beatles' "Love You To".

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

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

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

Caroline Smith at First Avenue, Minneapolis (09/27/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ carolinesmithcarolinesmith.com ♥ tokiwright.com

Girls Girls Girls: Those Darlins, Caroline Smith, and Judith Hill

Read More Those Darlins Speaking of music: Nashville rockers Those Darlins closed the days’ festivities, brightening up an overcast day with a set of their swaggering tunes. The band were fairly tame at first, churning out the songs with little interaction .…

THOSE DARLINS
thosedarlins.com

We love Those Darlins. Currently the Nashville band will be releasing latest album Blur the Line this October 1st, and the band will be heading out on tour in support of the new record.

If things work out, be sure to check back this Sunday for an exclusive interview with Jessi on W♥M Radio.

Tour dates:

09/27 - Gambier, OH - Kenyon College
10/03 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
10/04 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
10/05 - Chattanooga, TN - JJ's Bohemia
10/09 - Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
10/10 - Charlottesville, VA - The Southern
10/11 - Baltimore, MD - The Metro Gallery*
10/12 - Brooklyn, NY - The Union Pool*
10/13 - Boston, MA - Great Scott*
10/14 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge*
10/16 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot & Saddle*
10/17 - Washington, DC - Black Cat Backstage*
10/18 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Club Café*
10/19 - Indianapolis, IN - White Rabbit Cabaret*
10/20 - Cincinnati, OH - The Northside Tavern*
10/23 - Detroit, MI - The Magic Stick Lounge*
10/24 - Madison, WI - The Frequency*
10/25 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry*
10/26 - Chicago, IL - Schubas*
11/01 - New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Fest
11/02 - Austin, TX - Red 7^
11/05 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room^
11/07 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo^
11/08 - Santa Ana, CA - The Constellation Room^
11/13 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel^
11/15 - Seattle, WA - The Barboza^
11/16 - Portland, OR - The Bunk Bar^
11/19 - Denver, CO - The Hi-Dive^
11/21 - Kansas City, MO - The Record Bar^
11/22 - Carbondale, IL - Hangar 9^
11/23 - Louisville, KY - The Zanzabar^

* w/ Gambles
^ w/ Diane Coffee

Read More Caroline Smith Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps headlined the show at Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul last night. Bomba de Luz opened the show, and the show was in partnership with the MN Music .…

CAROLINE SMITH
carolinesmithcarolinesmith.com

Well, that wasn't a surprise. After hearing about Caroline Smith's new album coming out soon-ish since June, it's official now. Her latest album is called Half About Being A Woman, which is coming out October 8th, 2013, on United Interests.

Unlike the Replacements, Caroline Smith will be kicking off her album tour in her hometown in Minneapolis this Friday, September 27th:

Caroline Smith Album Release Tour
09/27 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/5 Milwaukee, WI @ Riverwest Public House
10/8 Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks
10/9 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
10/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
10/11 North Bennington, VT @ Vermont Arts Exch
10/12 Middlebury, VT@ Middlebury College
10/13 Providence, RI @ Columbus Theater
10/16 Scranton, PA @ The Bog
10/17 Wilmington, DE @ World Cafe Live
10/18 Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Tavern
10/22 St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
11/2 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe's
11/8 Chicago, IL @ The Hideout

Read More The Voice NBC's The Voice explained. Lara is addicted. Smash show, who is it for? …

JUDITH HILL
judithhill.com

It has to be great to be Judith Hill. The former Michael Jackson backup singer can be seen on NBC's "The Voice" (a show that Lara is addicted to) as well as on the soundtrack to Morgan Neville's 20 Feet From Stardom.

Judith Hill is in the middle of recording her debut solo album, but in the meantime you can catch her live opening up for Josh Groban (the multi-platinum selling artist).

Tour dates:

10/02/13 Boise, ID Taco Bell Arena
10/04/13 Seattle, WA KeyArena At Seattle Center
10/06/13 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Arena
10/07/13 San Jose, CA SAP Center At San Jose
10/09/13 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
10/11/13 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena
10/13/13 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
10/16/13 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
10/17/13 St. Louis, MO Lumiere Place Casino
10/19/13 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
10/20/13 Chicago, IL United Center
10/22/13 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
10/23/13 Auburn Hills, MI Palace Of Auburn Hills
10/25/13 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
10/27/13 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
10/28/13 Boston, MA TD Garden
10/30/13 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
11/02/13 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center
11/03/13 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
11/04/13 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
11/06/13 Sunrise, FL BB&T Center
11/08/13 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Times Forum
11/09/13 Orlando, FL Amway Center
11/12/13 Houston, TX Toyota Center
11/13/13 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps @ Amsterdam Bar 6/7/13

Read More Caroline Smith Caroline Smith did a brief soundcheck ("Lack of Height"), followed by a little chat with hosts Jill Riley and Steve Seel. Smith disclosed she will have a new album in the fall, but won't tell us what the title will be …

Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps headlined the show at Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul last night. Bomba de Luz opened the show, and the show was in partnership with the MN Music Coalition.

BOMBA DE LUZ

Bomba de Luz vocalist Lydia Hoglund rocked the show with her fiery voice and folk rock sound. The crowd responded well to the show, and at one point they even sang along to the chorus when prompted by Hoglund.

Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps started out the show introducing two new song to the crowd, which the crowd was elated to hear. Before the band stepped onto stage the crowd started blowing up orange balloons and writing messages on them, some of them proclaiming their love for the band. Caroline Smith’s beautiful voice and her bubbly personality made you embrace her even more.

Make sure to check out her album Little Wind (United Interests) released in 2011. The band’s upcoming tour dates are posted below.

Caroline Smith

Upcoming Tour Dates:

06/14 - Minneapolis, MN - Stone Arch Bridge Fest *
07/20 - Hutchinson, MN - RiverSong Music Festival **
07/30 - Green Bay, WI - Meyer Theater ***

* w/ Apollo Cobra
** w/ Peter Yarrow, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
*** w/ Thao, The Get Down Stay Down

Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps at the Amsterdam Bar, St Paul (06/07/13) all live photographs courtesy of Jonathan Wirkus/Jonathan Wirkus Photography

jonathan ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ thegoodnightsleeps.com ♥ bombadeluz.com

Caroline Smith & The Good Night Sleeps at the Longfellow Grill, Minneapolis (06/07/13)

Setlist Lack of Height (soundcheck) Buy Me Summer Child of Moving On Closing the Doors (bonus) Read More 89.3 The Current 89.3 The Current’s Morning Show will be broadcasting live at Longfellow Grill in Minneapolis tomorrow, Friday, June 7th, at 6am to 10am. …

The second annual live 89.3 The Current’s Morning Show at the Longfellow Grill in Minneapolis just happened.

I tuned into the show on my drive to the grill this morning to hear "Supertaster" James Norton... then a surprise guest from the mayor of St Paul.

The little restaurant was packed; all the tables were filled with Morning Show's fans. One family who was waiting for a table was telling me that people who showed up early enough for a table just didn't want to leave so everyone was on a waiting list for any interior tables.

Caroline Smith did a brief soundcheck ("Lack of Height"), followed by a little chat with hosts Jill Riley and Steve Seel. Smith disclosed she will have a new album in the fall, but won't tell us what the title will be (hint: it'll be named after the title track).

Smith sings "Buy Me Summer"

She did two new songs, "Buy Me Summer" and "Child of Moving On" (I think that's what she said). As a bonus feature to the live audience, we were treated to a final song, "Closing the Doors".

Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps will be at the Amsterdam Bar & Grill in St Paul tonight. We are covering the show for you! Also, the band will be performing a free show at Stone Arch Bridge Festival in the St Anthony area on June 14th. Look for her new record in the fall.

Caroline Smith & The Good Night Sleeps at the Longfellow Grill, Minneapolis (06/07/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ thegoodnightsleeps.com