W♥M

Dar Williams at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (2021-10-28)

Read More Dar Williams Singer/songwriter Dar Williams will be headlining the Cedar Cultural Center this October 28th. Her latest album I’ll Meet You Here will be out October 1st, on BMG’s recently launched Renew label. …

This is a placeholder for Dar Williams and Heather Maloney at Cedar Cultural Center, in Minneapolis, on October 28th.

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10/28/2021 THURSDAY

DAR WILLIAMS
with Heather Maloney
at the Cedar Cultural Center
thecedar.org

Singer/songwriter Dar Williams will be headlining the Cedar Cultural Center this October 28th. Her latest album I’ll Meet You Here will be out October 1st, on BMG’s recently launched Renew label.

We like Williams and have seen her a few times, noting that “she had stories about all of her songs. These songs were all true stories... and, of course, very few of them are about love - which Dar admitted confessed that she is not a fan of love songs…”

Heather Maloney to open.

Tour dates

10/28 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center
10/29 Mineral Point, WI Mineral Point Opera House
10/30 Chicago, IL Old Town School Music Store
11/09 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre
11/10 Portland, OR Alberta Rose Theatre
11/12 Berkeley, CA Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
11/13 Berkeley, CA Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
11/14 Sacremento, CA Sofia Center
11/16 Los Angeles, CA The Hotel Cafe
11/17 Los Angeles, CA The Hotel Cafe
11/19 Phoenix, AZ MIM
12/04 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
12/05 Alexandria, VA Birchmere
12/07 Richmond, VA The Tin Pan
12/08 Charlottesville, VA The Southern Cafe
12/10 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
12/11 Newark, OH Thirty One West
12/12 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
12/13 Spring Lake, MI Seven Steps Up

Heather Maloney (with Dar Williams)

Dar Williams at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (2021-10-28)

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Mdou Moctar at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (2021-09-18)

Read More Mdou Moctar Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar (currently based in based in Agadez) is coming back to Minneapolis, at the Cedar Cultural Center on September 18, 2021, to support Afrique Victime (Matador Records). …

Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar is currently touring in support of their album Afrique Victime. The group stopped by the Cedar Cultural Center, in Minneapolis, on September 18th, 2021.

Brooklyn’s Pure Adult opened the show. The group had a DIY punk style, incorporating slam poetry/spoken word in songs like “Cam Girls” and their energetic, often animated, performance is a stark contrast to Mdou Moctar’s guitar-driven style.

While different in both music style and performance, the band was a good choice for this tour, as it does offer something new and different for the unexpected fans.

It’s the third time that Mdou Moctar had stopped in Minneapolis. The singer mentioned on stage that he loves Prince and is always honored to come back. While talking about his influences, he also mentioned the next song is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, which you can hear some similar notes from “Purple Haze” in the song. If all this sounds familiar, that’s because Mdou Moctar star in the musical Rain the Color of Blue with A Little Red In It film, which homages Prince’s Purple Rain and Jimi Hendrix.

Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime is out now on Matador Records.

Remaining Tour Dates

09/20/2021 Globe Hall Denver, CO
09/21/2021 Globe Hall Denver, CO
09/22/2021 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
09/23/2021 Treefort Music Fest
09/24/2021 The Crocodile Seattle, WA
09/25/2021 Mississippi Studios Portland, OR
09/26/2021 Mississippi Studios Portland, OR
09/28/2021 The Chapel San Francisco, CA
09/29/2021 Starline Social Club Oakland, CA
10/01/2021 Desert Daze Pre-Party
10/02/2021 Lodge Room Los Angeles, CA

Pure Adult

Pure Adult

Pure Adult

Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (2021-09-18)

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News: First Avenue now requires proof of vaccination

Read More Waxahatchee Celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this coming week, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been the heart of the Minnesota music scene since its first show (featuring Joe Cocker) in a converted bus station originally called The Depot, then Sam's ...

With rising COVID-19 cases, due to the delta variant, First Avenue (which also includes 7th Street Entry, Turf Club, Fine Line Music Café, Palace Theatre, and Fitzgerald) announced that they are requiring all guests and patrons to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours, according to the Star Tribune .

The sudden announcement came out on Monday, so those who already paid for a concert, but don’t meet the requirements… you can ask for a refund.

We’ve attended a few shows last month, and can say that most fans in attendance did not wear masks or had a care in the world. Will full, or near capacity, of my recent shows, I can easily see that someone with the virus could easily infect everyone in the room.

With the new rules announced, local venue Hook & Ladder announced they’ll also follow suit. Once all the other local Minnesota venues open back up again, it would probably make sense that they’ll also have the same requirements.

The Cedar Cultural Center announced that they’ve just recently re-opened August 3rd, 2021, but made no mentioning of the vaccine requirements.

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News: Mark Johnson and Michael Lord leaves the Cedar Cultural Center and Mni Sota Native Music Series

Read More Cedar Cultural Center The special day-day Global Roots Festival at the Cedar Cultural Center starts on Monday, September 17, with Gambia’s Sona Jobarteh and Turkey’s Aynur. The event is FREE and outdoor stage starts at 5pm and indoor shows starts at 7:30pm …

Local non-profit The Cedar Cultural Center recently announced that longtime directors of events/organizers Mark Johnson and Michael Lord will be stepping down.

If you’ve attended any Cedar shows in the past, you have probably seen one of these guys at a show. They are very approachable and friendly, so it’s sad to imagine not seeing them at a future show.

The decision to step down seems amicable, as the two will the subject of an interview to be released by The Cedar's Box Office and Office Manager, MJ Gilmore.

As the Cedar prepares to re-open to the public, they are presenting a virtual Mni Sota Native Music Series (curated by former Cedar Artist Collective member Alex Buffalohead) this summer on The Cedar Public Access Channel. From July 8th to the 29th, every Thursday at 7:30 pm CT, you can tune in on The Cedar's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

July 8 - Keith Secola

July 15 - The Wake Singers

July 22 - Corey Medina & Brothers

July 29 - Artist showcase hosted by Keith Secola

The first in-person show at the Cedar will be for progressive folk and bluegrass band The Arcadian Wild this August 3rd.

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Flashback: KaiserCartel at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (09 May 2009)

Read More KaiserCartel KaiserCartel, the couple-duo that that we love here at W♥M just celebrated their CD-releasing party at the Cedar in Minneapolis, on June 17th. …

Lara went out to see Minnesota-loving KaiserCartel (Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel) on May 9, 2009, at the Cedar Cultural Center.

I’m almost certain KaiserCartel (or sometime spelled as Kaiser Cartel) is no more. However, Benjamin Cartel, continues performing as himself in 2014. The last time I heard from him was via his second solo album Flickering Light in 2018.

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NOTE: This event was organized by Minnesota music blog, Culture Bully. They have photos of the show here.

KaiserCartel - Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel’s history reads like a perfect twee memoir: both are elementary school teachers, both play a handful of instruments (guitar, drums, xylophone, accordion-thing-that-I-am-unable-to-identify, whistling), both dress like gothic country ball guests, both are obviously in love (with each other). It’s almost too darling to digest. If this were an episode of Sesame Street, I would say “Tonight’s concert is brought to you by the letter ‘A’ for ADORABLE.”

I’m getting nauseous with whimsy glee just writing this out.

Saturday’s show at the Cedar was a generation-fest of sorts. The ambience was chill and the crowd was soft, pleasant, malleable…like a delicious loaf of Wonder Bread (ifyouknowwhatI’msaying*). Hip, art school wannabes mingled with real-life senior citizens, sweatshirted couples were seated next to teenagers and their parents; the average age was probably mid-20s to early 30s, but the maturity level was at least a decade wiser. Maybe it was the style of music—a less frenetic brand of folk-pop, tame for children and the elderly—or it could’ve been the venue (the Cedar’s layout is seating room only), or even that the musicians appeared unassuming and also currently clean. Whatever the reason, KaiserCartel’s gentle-cum-hand clap cheer suited the Cedar’s intimate space.

Being only minimally in the know, I wasn’t familiar with KaiserCartel’s interesting use of multiple instruments. The duo may be primarily guitar and percussion, but if their musical bag of tricks is any indication, I’m 99% certain that the goal is amusement as much as it is creative conception (on one song Kaiser pulled out a comically small xylophone and proceeded to play it with an electric drink frother). Besides being adorable, Kaiser’s vocal chops call to mind the iconic female folk singers of past (a less warbled Joan Baez or Judy Collins), by way of “adult contemporary” mellow rockers Cowboy Junkies—the same rich confidence steeped in pop melodies. To be honest, it’s a tad strange hearing a Brooklyn band that doesn’t harness the brash fury of cynical youth and is, instead, somewhat old-timey in their adorations. Live, standout tracks included “Okay” (a semi-sweet duet that touches on imperfect love), “Season Song” (whistling! In key!), and “Shira,” the latter performed acoustic, stripped down, and amongst the audience (complete with the kind of uncomfortable eye contact that unearths years of repressed campfire memories).

As Vu mentioned in his review of March Forth, KaiserCartel loooove Minnesota. They opened for local indie looker/Trekkie/Jeremy Messersmith, who has a beard, a guitar, an Andy, and a fondness for Minneapolis—“Franklin Ave.,” “Light Rail” (yes, we have a light rail; it only has three destinations). More about Messersmith later. Promise.

KaiserCartel is on tour. Check their Myspace or website for information. Their debut LP, March Forth, released in June of last year, is available for purchase through their website or iTunes/Amazon/various e-consumerist hubs.

* Although the Cedar boasts an eclectic mixing of genres, like Irish folk and world beats, the clientele generally veers due White.

KaiserCartel at Cedar Cultural, Minneapolis (09 May 2009) photo by Jon Behm

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Flashback: Eleni Mandell at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (27 Mar 2009)

Setlist My Twin Artificial Fire Little Foot Personal Tiny Waist Cracked Bigger Burn Front Door I Love Planet Earth It Wasn't the Time (It Was the Color) Needle and Thread Pauline Two Faces Read More Eleni Mandell In stark contrast, Eleni Mandell took the stage with nothing but a blue dress and her small guitar. The last time I saw Mandell at the Cedar, she had a full band. Do I prefer a full backing band? There are pros and cons. … Haley Bonar Since 2003 The Size of Planets, Haley Bonar has been the staple Minneapolis singer/songwriter for years, even when she moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2009! … Daniel Martin Moore Golden Age is the new album from Daniel Martin Moore. The Jim James* produced album will come out October 9th via Sofaburn Records. We last saw DMM at the Cedar Cultural Center …

The Eleni Mandell show at the Cedar Cultural Center on March 27, 2009, was the first post-SXSW show… so we were still trying to recover from the massive music festival. It didn’t help that Minneapolis was very cold and expecting a bad blizzard… it’s a very different environment from perfect weather Austin, Texas.

>>>
It's a chilly night. Come on Minnesota, it's very late March, why am I still wearing a jacket? Even Eleni Mandell admitted that she hoped to survive her travel through the midwest due to a possible upcoming blizzard (tomorrow).

We'll get to Mandell later, first up was folkster Daniel Martin Moore with his acoustic guitar and collection of friends (including the world's quietest drums). Highlight from his set is his cover of "Smile" - originally composed by Charlie "The Tramp" Chaplin song, but made famous by Nat King Cole in the mid-50s. Moore's version features a piano, played by his brother, who apparently lives in Minnesota.

The other highlight was a secret appearance by Haley Bonar who showed up to sing backup. People may remember that I personally chose Bonar's song, "The Queen Of Everything", to represent a bunch of wonderful Minnesota bands and singers.

The thing about the Cedar Culture Center is that every time I go here, it seems the audience are all NPR members. Sometime there are young people, but not tonight. This is not a knock against the Cedar, it's just a warning for you to expect a pretty low-key, sit-down night. The benefit is that instead of a noisy bar atmosphere, the venue is perfect for actually listening to the band as they play. And every noise and note can be heard... So yeah, a wonderful place to hear the band.

Setlist

Eleni Mandell took the stage with her guitar and played two songs solo (which are actually not listed on the official set list), before being joined on stage by the rest of the band.

Half way into "Artificial Fire", Nigel had problems with his bass... which lead to about 10 minutes of awkwardness as the Cedar sound guy ran backstage to get another bass guitar. This led to Mandell talking about how they've been on the road since 7am from Chicago, Illinois.

Mandell remained talkative at certain songs, explaining how she tried to kiss this man, who pulled back and had no idea she was in love with him. She called the song "Tiny Waist", after something he had said to her.

They mostly stuck to new songs (because she loved them so much), with a few exceptions. I thought "Pauline" (from her 2000 album Thrill) sounded amazing towards the end.

It should also be noted that Jeremy Drake is a very excellent guitarist, with his wonderful guitar-playing and foot pedals and warped/spacey sounds.

Eleni Mandell at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (27 Mar 2009)

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Flashback: Kassin+2 at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (11 Dec 2008)

Setlist O Seu Lugar Mara Ri Esquecido Simbioticos Homem Ao Mar Pra Lembrar Domenico+2 Set Aeroporto 77 Possibilidade Te Convidei Alegria Vai Lá Moreno+2 Set Enquanto Isso Deusa do Amor Mais Alguém Rio Longe Um Passo À Frente Agua Ponto Final Bis Tranquilo (Super Stereo Sound System) -- Encore -- Ya Ya Ya Telepara Maromba Read More Kassin+2 Kassin and company came on stage about nine and their set consists of Kassin material for about six songs before rotating to Demenico's set, then Moreno. They circled around with Kassin, with his bookend song. …

Brazil’s Kassin+2 is an interesting project. +2 previously attached themselves to Moreno Veloso (son of the great Caetano) and Domenico Lancellotti… and with Alexandre Kassin (under the billing Kassin+2) was their final project. Basically, what we got on the night of December 11, 2008, was a supergroup of Moreno, Domenico, and Kassin, in one very unique show. Possibly that this tour was not attempted since 2008, so it was a real honor to witness these three played live in this Walker Art Center show.

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Kassin+2 is the latest (and final) project from the +2 group. Consisting of three primary song writers, Moreno Veloso, Domenico Lancellotti, and Alexandre Kassin. Moreno and Domenico have already released their records (respectively as Moreno+2 and Domenico+2), and each album- based on what I've heard live, since I don't actually have their records for review - should be very different based on each of the writer's influences.

The Walker Arts Center, in association with the non-profit Cedar Cultural Center (I believe I heard this was their second effort in the partnership) have put together this poshy event (I mean, what concerts have you been to lately that actually comes with a program leaflet?). The program guide has biographies for both the opening band, Quilombolas and Kassin+2.

Quilombolas' sound is mostly Spanish songs. Their two percussions (a hand and drum kit), gives it an afro funk sound, which suited Kassin's sound perfectly. From what I've heard, they only have one or two songs in English, one of which was something like "Driving to Mexico".

Kassin and company came on stage about nine and their set consists of Kassin material for about six songs before rotating to Demenico's set, then Moreno. They circled around with Kassin+2, with his bookend song.

When they're not speaking in broken English, they are talking to us in Portugese like all their songs.

Setlist

As you can see from the set list, it's quite a few songs, but I will tell you that they dropped a few songs off their list (for instance there was only two songs played after "Ya Ya Ya" which started the encore).

To me, at least, these three musicians are like night and day. Kassin's style seems to be a combination of loungey samba music. Kassin then took the bass (these guys are all multi-instrumentalists), and Domenico took over.

Of the three, Domenico's set is possibly the best of the three because he's most about dancey-sound and noises and beeps coming from his machine (not organic). Moreno's set is really traditional folky-sound.

Although each songwriter sounds different, they sort of compliment each other to a unique blend of Brazilian music.

Kassin +2's Futurismo is out now on Talking Head David Byrne's record label, Luaka Bop. I honestly don't know the future of the +2 project, since this is the final chapter in the trilogy, I suggest you see them live before they break up or something. It's only too bad that they're wrapping up their tour with only two more dates in the US. Good luck on catching them.

Kassin+2 at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (11 Dec 2008)

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Flashback: Loquat at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (16 Oct 2008)

Read More Loquat Loquat, a band based out of San Francisco, are as sweet and delicious as the Chinese fruit that they are named after. Their brand new album, Secrets of the Sea, came out yesterday, October 14th. Compared to their first album, It's Yours To Keep, the new album … Greycoats Opening up for them was Minneapolis' Greycoats. Based on hearing the band's debut album in 2008, I have to say that their new materials (songs from 2013's World of Tomorrow) is a lot more upbeat, yet still maintaining their moody … Chriz Koza Vu and Chris Koza sat down at the Dakota Jazz Club to briefly talk about Rogue Valley and his upcoming solo album In Real Time. The record will be officially release on October 28th on iTunes, CD, and vinyl at chriskoza.com. Y …

To be fair, this was Loquat’s headlining show at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on October 16, 2008…. However, the start of their North American tour landed in Minneapolis, which meant that their support act, Greycoats, became headliner. This is common with some bands touring… the support would become the headliner when they land in their hometown. Chris Koza was also asked to close the show, hoping to bring in some of his fanbase to the show.

I was a big Loquat fan, because they had a beautiful rendition of The Smiths’ “There is a Light that Never Goes Out”, and so I’ve written about them. Loquat’s singer, Kylee Swenson, saw what I wrote and commented, “If you only knew how hungover I was when I sang that Smiths cover. Oh man, it hurt so bad. Thanks for the kind words, We Heart Music. See you guys October 16 when we play in Minneapolis, finally....”

Just to clarify about that comment, Swenson actually grew up in Minneapolis and it was a dream for her to finally play in the city.

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Loquat kicked off their tour last night at the non - profit / community - run The Cedar in Minneapolis. I've only ever been to this venue once before, and things seem to be looking up for this historic theater. The audience seems to be somewhat a mix of NPR patrons, couples with children, and artsy college students.

Loquat was the first of three bands for this Greycoats' CD release party. What's interesting about the Greycoats' set is that they had movies projected as they play. Although it's interesting, I found myself distracted by the moving picture. Each movie is timed exactly to the music, most of it went pretty well, except for the 50s "Day the Earth Stood Still" which ended early because they had cello sound problems.

It looks like, according to their website, that they are going to be tour mates with Loquat... And of course, Loquat played an hour earlier. They started playing shortly after 7:30pm, which is kind of early, so I reckon a lot of latecomers missed them... However, it did look like there were a lot of Loquat fans (and families) in the audience.

Kylee was pretty talkative inbetween songs, adding that "Swingset Chain" was about her friend and it was emotional being back in Minneapolis. I later found out that she grew up in Minneapolis, and have "always wanted to play here". She was quite friendly after her show too, lots of fans stood in line to get a chance to get her autograph and to talk to her.

The main act was Chris Koza, who I was told that I've seen him before, opening up for Jeff Hanson. He had a keyboardist, violinist and the standard guitarist/bass/drums, and I seriously don't remember that many band members at the Hanson show. Koza was easy-going, relaxed even, and the best part was they had carved this Halloween pumpkins the night before and had put them on stage. He named one of them "Luis" or "T___" I couldn't make out the second name over people's laughter at the ridiculous name.

So check out Loquat and Greycoats on tour.

Loquat at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (16 Oct 2008)

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Lucy Dacus at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (12 Oct 2019)

Lucy Dacus at Cedar Cultural Center Lucy Dacus Setlist Trust Addictions The Shell Direct Address La vie en rose (Édith Piaf cover) Yours & Mine My Mother & I Timefighter I Don't Wanna Be Funny Anymore Night Shift Thumbs -- Encore -- Historians In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover) Read More Lucy Dacus “The irony is not lost on us” singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus would say about the eclectically-named three band lineup spotlighting her first headlining area appearance, a near-familial musical … Liza Anne + Liza Anne Palace Theatre Sat 02/02/2019 (6:30pm/$36/Sold Out) Multiple Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves has sold … Sun June Sun June to open. Tour dates: 10/09/2019 Headliners Music Hall Louisville, KY 10/10/2019 Park West Chicago, IL 10/11/2019 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI …

Lucy Dacus sold out the Cedar Cultural Center show, in Minneapolis, on Saturday, October 12th. Like Dacus’ last appearance at the Surly Brewing Festival in 2018, it’s an all-girls lineup.

First up was Austin’s Sun June with a brief 30-min set. The group (Laura, Michael, Justin, Sarah, Stephen) was selected as part of the official SXSW 2019 Showcase, after wowing them at the Audiotree and KVRX Library Sessions.

The band played some tracks from their debut record, Years, including their closing number, “Young”.

Next was Liza Anne (with full band of Josh on bass, Cody on drums, and Robbie on guitars), who could not get over at how cold it was in Minneapolis (it was randomly snowing throughout the day). The Nashville-based band only packed T-Shirts and jeans, so they were not prepared for the change in temperature.

They started their set with “Paranoia”, followed by “Small Talks”. Speaking of talks, Anne mentioned that the “I’m Tired, You’re Lonely” song is about how you shouldn’t talk when you’re tired or drunk (or both).

Richmond-based singer Lucy Dacus ended the all-women show, playing plenty of beloved songs. Fans loved it… but we already this was the case when we saw her headlined the sold-out 7th Street Entry in April 2018: “Still in her early twenties, Lucy Dacus is already showing a musical maturity, years beyond her actual age. The Richmond, VA singer-songwriter is touring in support of her second full-length, Historian (Matador Records), an album of leaps-and-bounds growth for her, that is the exact opposite of any sophomore slump and she seemed genuinely happy to be headlining here, after previously opening for Car Seat Headrest and Hamilton Leithauser. Dacus is so confident in the new album (considering it her definitive musical statement), the first seven songs played were all from the new record, beginning with single, ‘Addictions’. Her seemingly calm voice belies a building sound and lyrics that dive deep into wells of adversity, though provide a glimmer of hope in any darkness.”

After a successful 2018 tour, and meeting with other like-minded women singers, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, they decided to form Boygenius (stylized as boygenius). While the supergroup is currently in hiatus, expect the three to get together when they record a debut LP. She didn’t play any boygenius songs, but with two critically acclaimed albums, No Burden and Historian, she really didn’t need to. Instead, she played a couple of cover songs, an Édith Piaf song, “La vie en rose” and Phil Collins’ signature song, “In The Air Tonight”. Both these covers were recorded and released as singles from Lucy Dacus in 2019. Based on other covers she’s released (like Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark”), you might think there’ll be a cover-lover collection coming out soon.

Lucy Dacus’ album Historian is out now on Matador Records.

Tour dates:

10/18/2019 The Olympic Boise, ID
10/22/2019 Neumos Seattle, WA
10/23/2019 Aladdin Theater Portland, OR
10/25/2019 August Hall San Francisco, CA
10/26/2019 Teragram Ballroom Los Angeles, CA
10/28/2019 Belly Up Solana Beach, CA
10/29/2019 The Crescent Ballroom Phoenix, AZ
11/01/2019 Lucy Dacus Gothic Theatre Englewood, CO
11/17/2019 Corona Capital Festival
11/30/2019 Jefferson Theater Charlottesville, VA
12/04/2019 Royale Nightclub Boston Boston, MA

Sun June

Sun June

Sun June

Liza Anne

Liza Anne

Liza Anne

Liza

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (12 Oct 2019)

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Greg Laswell at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (26 Sep 2019)

Greg Laswell at the Cedar Setlist Dodged a Bullet Farewell Your Ghost (Kristin Hersh cover) A Place Called Home (PJ Harvey cover) Royal Empress (studio version) Royal Empress (live version) Super Moon Off I Go Sweet Dream And Then You Lucky Man (The Verve cover) Comes and Goes (In Waves) Embrace Me I Don't Believe It's Through Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Robert Hazard cover) -- Encore -- What a Day Amazing Grace Read More Greg Laswell I wasn't there to cover Greg Laswell, but I'll quickly mention that he does a sad and depressing version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", possibly closer to the original Robert Hazard song ...

Greg Laswell, now with a full band, played the Cedar Cultural Center, in Minneapolis, on Thursday, September 26th.

There was no opening band, so the seated show started early (and ended early), due to the all-ages status of the Cedar’s show policy.

I first saw Laswell, playing solo with Harper Blynn helping with his live set, in November 2010 at the Turf Club. The one memory I had of the performance was that Laswell had covered “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, but making it really upsettingly sad. That’s because the original Robert Hazard version was from a boy’s perspective of how girls just want to have fun. Of course, Cyndi Lauper’s cover is what people think of when they think of that song.

His cover songs, from his original Covers album, proved to be a hit, so the Los Angeles singer decided to revisit the record and record an all-new Covers II album. This time, he would tackle Catherine Wheel, PJ Harvey, Psychedelic Furs, Placebo, etc… plus duets with Molly Jenson on Röyksopp, Depeche Mode , Peter Gabriel, and The Verve covers. You can tell that his influences are in UK bands, based on the choice of bands and artists he decided to cover.

If you were expecting an all-covers set, you may be in for a disappointment, as given the 15 plus years of writing songs, Laswell played quite a few songs from his music catalog. And even if you heard the cover songs, if you know how Laswell approaches his cover songs, they sound completely different than the original songs.

For example, his double-cover whammy of Kristin Hersh’s “Your Ghost” and PJ Harvey’s “A Place Called Home”, sounded very slow and, if you didn’t know they were covers, you would they were just standard Laswell songs.

“Royal Empress” was actually played twice in the set. The first version is closer to the studio version, while the second song is with a full live band. Greg Laswell explained that this only happened a few shows ago when they had sound difficulties at a venue… so he decided to just start playing the song solo (while they worked out the kinks). Once the sound problems were fixed, they started the song again with the rest of the band. They liked how that worked out, that they decided to permanently add that to their set.

Perhaps the most personal song on the playlist was “Super Moon”, which is about Laswell’s father who had passed away to Alzheimer's Disease. As he was explaining how his father was like a “super moon” (how you just had to be there), he choked up with tears coming out. He paused and recomposed and joked that he doesn’t cry when he sings the song.

Remaining tour dates:

09/19/2019 State Room Salt Lake City, UT
09/26/2019 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN
09/28/2019 The Ark Ann Arbor, MI
09/30/2019 Rams Head On Stage Annapolis, MD
10/03/2019 City Winery Boston Boston, MA
10/04/2019 Infinity Hall Norfolk Norfolk, CT
10/06/2019 City Winery Washington, DC

Greg Laswell at Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (26 Sep 2019)

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