W♥M

We♥KC! October 6-8, 2023, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS / Topeka KS)

Read More: The Mars Volta From the ashes of At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta releases their fourth album, The Bedlam in Goliath, today. There's a bunch of "exclusives", so for die-hard fans,

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Prost! October, Rocktober, and Oktoberfest celebrations seem to be in full swing, and while it’s been unseasonably warm, things are soon to change and jacket weather is coming. Plenty to keep you busy on the first full weekend of the month, in terms of live music.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS/ Topeka KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming weekend, from October 6th-October 8th.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6

Sammy Rae and The Friends, Madrid Theatre, $54-$59

Sammy Rae & The Friends is a collective of seven musicians who “consider themselves a family first.” The fans in the crowd for their shows are also a part of the energy, so much so that they lovingly call them “friends” as well.

Hailing from Brooklyn and producing a sound that merges ‘70s funk artists as well as today's pop rock hits, they have a first-ever, 18-track live album “The If It All Goes South Tour (Live)”. We caught them live previously at a Halloween night gig and are a little sad this stop isn’t on Oct. 31^st too.

Amos Lee w/Mutlu, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $39-$89

On his eighth album Dreamland, the Philadelphia-born singer/songwriter intimately documents his real-world struggles (alienation, anxiety, loneliness, despair), an outpouring born from deliberate and often painful self-examination. “For most of my life I’ve walked into rooms thinking, ‘I don’t belong here,’” says Lee. “I’ve come to the realization that I’m too comfortable as an isolated person, and I want to reach out more.

This record came from questioning my connections to other people, to myself, to my past, and to the future.” Additionally, it was inspired by Johann Hari’s 2018 book Lost Connections. And, on RSD Black Friday (24 Nov), look for his tribute album to one of his (and our) musical idols, Lucinda Williams with his Honeysuckle Switches release. 

Arrive early for Mutlu (Onaral), a soul singer also from Philly. who is a first generation American of Turkish ancestry. He released his first five-song EP in 2004 and has served as the guitarist for Lee at live shows.

Oak Ridge Boys, Ameristar Casino, $45-$60

One last “pa pa mow-mow”! This month, longtime members — Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban will celebrate their 50th celebration, and has announced this as their American Made: Farewell Tour.

Though the quartet has origins running back to the 1940s, it was this collective that propelled the group to commercial heights. Known for their distinct harmonies, the group earned four CMA Awards trophies and five Grammy wins. They’ve been recognized with the highest honors from the Country Music Hall of Fame (2015), the Grand Ole Opry (2011), the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

The Wonder Years, The Truman, $29.50-$60

Winnie Cooper’s favorite band has been celebrating the 10th anniversary of their album The Greatest Generation with a box set reissue and their own Philly fest, and this tour that will find them performing the LP. Support comes from three newer punk/emo bands, Anxious, Sweet Pill, and Action/Adventure, all of whom also play the band’s Philly fest.

The Band Camino, Bad Suns, and The Wldlfe, The Midland, $34.50-$59.50

The Memphis/Nashville alt-rock trio are out on their Screaming in the Dark Tour, new and second studio album, The Dark, was released on August 11. Joining the tour will be Woodlands Hills, CA alternative-rock band Bad Suns, who are best known for their debut studio album, Language & Perspective, which was released in June 2014, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Casting Crowns, Topeka Performing Arts Center, $43-$203.

The multi-platinum-selling Grammy winners are out on their 20th Anniversary Tour: A Live Symphony Experience. Featuring hit songs from the band’s current Healer album (“Scars In Heaven,” “Crazy People”), concert goers will also experience a night of worship celebrating a two-decade repertoire of songs like “Only Jesus,” “Nobody,” “Praise You In This Storm,” “East To West” and many more. For the first time ever, the band will be joined by a live symphony on this special anniversary tour.

Flo Rida at Late Night in the Phog, Allen Fieldhouse- Lawrence, Free but sold out

Kansas Athletics has announced that the KU basketball scrimmages at Late Night in the Phog will be streamed on ESPN+, KUATHLETICS.COM, and Facebook Watch. The event will feature performances by Flo Rida and include enhancements such as music by the KU Pep Band and DJ Heat, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, and enhanced coach and player interactions. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support Just Food of Douglas County.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7

Melvins w/ Boris, Bottleneck- Lawrence, SOLD OUT

Out on their monsterous "Twins of Evil" tour, a 43-date trek through the United States which will find each band playing one of their classic albums in full. For Melvins, they'll be celebrating their 1991 underground classic Bullhead, while Boris will perform all if 2002's Heavy Rocks, making it a can't-miss night for fans of sludgy, experimental heavy music. And FYI, Boris named themselves after one of the cuts on Bullhead, which is meta. If you slept on getting tix, lesson learned hopefully.

Dean Lewis, The Truman, $25-$50

We caught caught the Aussie singer-songwriter on the sold-out first show of the US portion of his tour a couple weeks ago, supporting 2022’s The Hardest Love, with most recent single being, “How Do I Say Goodbye?”. Live, he worked in covers by fellow Aussie Amy Shark and also Coldplay and is best known for 2016 single, “Waves” and 2018’s “Be Alright.”

moe. Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $30-$75

After a summer leg and assorted festivals, the longtime Buffalo jam band embarks on a mostly Midwest 16-date Fall leg, with most recent work being 2020’s Not Normal EP, but it doesn’t matter as it’s all about the jamming, man!

Scary Pockets, Granada-Lawrence,$25-$30

After a Spring North American run and then summer overseas, the viral funk collective led by Ryan Lerman and Patreon co-founder and CEO Jack Conte and known for its playful and unique covers, are back on the road for a Fall leg. Swatkins and The Positive Agenda are scheduled as support.

Temptations, Ameristar Casino, $55-$75

The classic Motown vocal group may not look the same as in theiir glory days, but the hits are too numerous to count. Ranked #1 in Billboard magazine’s most recent list of the “Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time,” The Temptations also appear in the magazine’s 125th Anniversary list of the “125 Greatest of All Time Artists.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 8

The Mars Volta with Teri Gender Bender, Uptown. $59-$237

The post-prog-rockers just released the album Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazón, an acoustic re-working of their 2022 reunion album, the self-titled pop-ish and slower The Mars Volta, which was their first LP in a decade. Lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala and guitarist-producer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez formed the modern classic band after the 2001 breakup of their band At the Drive-In and this show should be musically amazing.

Be sure to be early for Teri Gender Bender, the singer and musician known primarily as the founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of Guadalajara-based rock band Le Butcherettes. With TMV’s Rodríguez-López, she is also a member of Bosnian Rainbows for the last decade as well as Crystal Fairy and Kimono Kult, so you could say is busy. Her performance persona and artistry have been compared to Björk, Siouxsie Sioux, Karen O.

Koo Koo (Kanga Roo), recordBar, $25.49

Equally playing live in front of children or party-ready adults, the Minneapolis pair is a dance experience for the senses. For the last 15 years, lifelong friends and collaborators Bryan and Neil have toured the globe delighting fans with their high-energy music, positivity, and interactive live show.

They cut their teeth on the road, playing everything from DIY basements and birthday parties, to sharing main-stages with a wide array of acts like Yo Gabba Gabba, The Aquabats, and Frank Turner. Out in support of their 2021 album, Slow Clap, apparently, they just shortened their name as well.

National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity? Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC - March 18-26 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Daylight savings time and St. Pat’s has arrived, along with more shows on the close horizon. Enjoy the green beer, more hours of sunlight, and check out the area shows below.

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

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence area for the 3rd WEEK of MARCH:

Friday March 18

Poppy w/ MZ Neon, The Truman, $25-$50

Out on her Never Find My Place Tour, this alternative artist has a massive and very loyal following as we found out, seeing her most recently live in Lawrence in Feb 2020, just before the pandemic. The newest record is Flux, released last Sept, and said to be more organic than her previous releases and was well-received, so she continues to keep everyone guessing as to her next persona. More here

Kaleo w Nox Holloway, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $42-$62

The blues-tinged band originally from Iceland has returned with new album, Surface Sounds on their Fight or Flight Tour. They just posted having to postpone several shows due to the virus, with KC potentially being the first one back, so definitely check band and venue social media, before heading out.

Openers are an alt-pop/rock duo who started as college friends and have a new EP, If Only the World Didn’t Spin So Much

Candlebox, Ameristar. $35-$95

The longtime Seattle band returned last year with album, Wolves, preceded by single “My Weakness” but expect ‘90s classics like “You” and “Far Behind” in the set as well.

The Beautiful Ones (Prince Tribute) Knuckleheads, $15

This area tribute act seems to concentrate more on authentically replicating the sound of Prince’s music, than also trying to physically resemble he and The Revolution, which is ok (though singer Dr Zhivegas may don the famous Purple Rain coat). Sounds fun and funky.

Sara Morgan Trio (Dolly Parton tribute) Knuckleheads. $20

Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and Family, Kauffman Center. $29-$69

Steve Vai, Uptown POSTPONED TO NOV 20

03/19 Madeon at Uptown Theater Read More Madeon Madeon, Markus Schulz, Minnesota, Mord Fustang, Nero DJ Set, Nervo, Nobody Beats the Drum, Play N Skills, Popeska, Rhythm Monks, Sander Van Doorn, Supervision ...

Saturday March 19

Madeon w Yung Bae Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $23-$33

Electro-pop and house French musician and producer is out on his Good Faith Forever Live Tour, in support of his 2019 Grammy-nominated album. The album is inspired by joy and his own mental health with the artist saying, "I wanted to make music that was celebratory but that hinted at the fact that that joy had to have been reclaimed and fought for a little bit.” Expect an extra-sensory live experience.

Opener Yung Bae is a Portland future funk producer who drew from ‘80s Japanese city pop on his most recent record and has a brand new single, “Straight Up Relaxin’”.

Half-alive w/Daisy the Great, MOVED to Granada, $25

Overwhelming buzz for this Long Beach alt-rock band pushed this show to a bigger venue, and they released their second studio album, Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt 1, just last month.

Openers Daisy the Great are actually a Brooklyn-based duo, fronted by Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker who made waves last fall when they teamed with AJR on the song, “Record Player”, a re-worked version of their own 2017 folk-pop song.

Park ICM- Stanislav and friends, Kauffman Center, $13-$58.50

This third annual event allows local audiences to experience the best of classical music from a single seat. There are several performers and works of note performed and the grand finale will bring down the house with pianist Stanislav Loudenitch, performing "Piano Concerto for the Left Hand" with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Following the concert, meet the artists at a dessert reception.

We Banjo 3 w/ Carswell and Hope, The Truman. $15-$30

Your St Patrick’s celebration can continue with this Galway, Ireland band that is always fun performing live. We caught them live at the 2018 Irish Fair in St. Paul, MN and good time was had by all. They’re on their Awakening Tour and even have their own podcast and coffee brand.

Logan Mize, Knuckleheads. $20

Sunday March 20

Koo Koo Kanga Roo, recordBar, $15-$50

Everybody’s favorite Minneapolis comedy-disco duo comes to KC, in support of last year’s Slow Clap album and is proven fun for audiences of all ages, especially children, with their dance-along anthems. Show looks to be all-ages as there are reduced-priced tickets for those 12 and under, and we’ve written about them since way back in 2009.

“The Bachelor Live On Stage,” Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $39.50-$175

The just-aired season featuring Clayton Echard has been completely bonkers, as he fell in love in three women, who each didn’t take kindly to that admission. This live touring show features MN Bachelorette Becca Kufrin and promises an interactive fun evening perfect for anyone in Bachelor Nation.

03/21 Joseph at Madrid Theater Read More Joseph Portland's Joseph are three sisters, Natalie, Allison, and Meegan. They harmonize as only very close family members can achieve. Songs on their set included tracks from Native Dreamer Kin, which came out early in March 2014. …

Monday March 21

Joseph, Madrid. $25-$45

Like most other bands, their tour plans were derailed by the pandemic but this Portland trio of sisters is making their way to KC, still in support of late 2019’s Good Luck, Kid. While not being the most internet search-friendly named band, you can expect an evening of alt-folk and impeccable harmony vocals (as only close family members can pull off), as we saw evident when we last saw them perform live.

They’ve also released a couple of more recent EPs called The Trio Sessions which are worth checking out.

Circle Jerks w/ 7 Seconds, Negative Approach, Granada- Lawrence, $32.50-$35.

Turn those clocks back to the hardcore punk ‘80s and memorable shows at the Outhouse in Lawrence as the headliners are out on their first full US tour in fifteen years and added former QOTSA and Danzig drummer Joey Castillo to their ranks. Opener 7Seconds is back together after a more than five-year break, so batten the hatches and hold on for dear life.

Letterkenny Live (comedy), Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, $39.50-$75

The Crave Original Series troupe features nine cast members and performs new and classic sketches live.

03/21 Circle Jerks at Granada Read More 7Seconds Kevin Seconds is the founding member and lead singer for the 80s punk band 7 Seconds, who had their moment in the sun when they were signed to Sony Records in the mid-90s. .…

03/24 Ashley McBryde at Uptown Read More Ashley McBryde Ashley McBryde is an American country music singer–songwriter. Raised in Arkansas, she was drawn to various types of music from a young age …

Thursday March 24

Ashley McBryde, Uptown. $24.50-$98.50  

The Arkansas singer-songwriter is one of country’s modern best, has a critically acclaimed 2019 album, Never Will, and won a CMA Award last year for duetting with Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted to be that Girl”. Expect the Uptown to feel like a honky-tonk on her This Town Talks Tour.

Yves Tumor, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $25

Experimental electronic and psych pop artist in support of 2020’s acclaimed Heaven to a Tortured Mind, which ended up on many taste-maker sites as a Top 10 of the Year work.

Cole Swindell w Travis Denning and Ashley Cooke, Cable Dahmer Arena. $41.75-$61.75

Rising Georgia country singer-songwriter whose new album, Stereotype, is out April 8^th.

KC and the Sunshine Band, Prairie Band Casino- Mayetta, $65-$75

Put on your boogie shoes to do a little dance and get down tonight with these ‘70s disco legends. The price is a little steep, but the hits are plenty and the casino gambling floor awaits, before or after the show.

“Madagascar The Musical Live,” Music Hall CANCELED

03/26 Judith Hill at Knuckleheads Read More Judith Hill Midnight: members of the invited media (Star Tribune, Fox9, City Pages, The Current) are escorted back to Paisley’s Studio A, for what turns out to be an introduction to singer Judith Hill, a preview of her new music, and some Q+A. … 03/26 Eric Bellinger x Sammie at Truman Read More Eric Bellinger The Compton, Calif. native and critically acclaimed R&B star is just getting started. Not only a skillful songwriter, Bellinger is an equally talented singer/rapper....

Friday March 25

Sevendust with Tetrarch and Dead Poet Society, The Truman. $29.50-$55

Trixie and Katya, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $41.75-$147.50

What a Drag! A parody homage to the classic girls’ road trip buddy comedies - from classics To Wong Foo and Priscilla, to Crossroads and Barb and Star - presented as an outrageous and absurd comedic musical drag show spectacular.

Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, Knuckleheads. $20

Zito is a well-known modern blues guitarist while Castiglia (also a guitarist) is out in support of his live album, recorded in Boca Raton.

Yakov Smirnoff, Ameristar CANCELED

Saturday March 26

Eric Bellinger x Sammie, The Truman, $30-$60

Born and raised in Compton, CA, Bellinger has been making a name for himself in the R&B scene for over a decade, also co-writing "Lemme See" by Usher, "New Flame" by Chris Brown, "Right Here" by Justin Bieber, and "Disrespectful" by Trey Songz. Album New Light, out last Sept, is up for a Best Progressive R&B Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Florida’s Sammie was most active in the mid-2000s, has his own StarCamp Music imprint, and recently toured with Omarion, Bow Wow, Pretty Ricky, Soulja Boy, and Ashanti.

Judith Hill with Dave, Jimmy, Jeff and Norm, Knuckleheads. $20

This club appearance literally allows you to be Twenty Feet from Stardom, seeing this Prince protege who also worked with Michael Jackson, in an intimate setting. We last caught Hill and her family band live at the fabled Paisley Park in 2019, and has a 2021 album, Baby I’m Hollywood that she’s out in support of.

Killer Queen, Ameristar. $30-$45

This well-known touring tribute recalls the glory days of the classic band, when Freddie Mercury was full of amazing vocal range and bombast and expect plenty of radio hits performed live.

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

Minneapolis: Varsity Theater, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, and MNIVA

Read More Varsity Theater Back in 2009, I would jump at any chance to go to the Varsity Theater… this was my favorite venue at the time. … Aretha Franklin We’ve heard the rumors about Aretha Franklin on her deathbed, but when it was announced today that the Queen of Soul has died, it was still hard to take. ... Koo Koo Kanga Roo Koo Koo Kanga Roo was, as usual, a riot. I don't think I've ever been to a show with so many children, but it's perfect for the music of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Helping them dance were two helpers, one dressed ...

Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater updated their marquee to honor the legacy of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.

Genius: Aretha

The marquee reads: “All Hail The Queen #GeniusAF 3.21.21.” referencing National Geographic’s double-stacked episodes of Genius: Aretha, beginning Sunday, March 21, at 9/8c. The premiere episodes will be available the next day on Hulu, with all eight episodes available to stream by Thursday, March 25.

National Geographic will also be donating to Crew Nation, a global relief fund launched by Live Nation and powered by nonprofit partner Music Forward Foundation that provides financial support for live music crews impacted by the global pandemic and beyond.

The GENIUS: ARETHA will feature a marquee takeover on the outside of some of the nation’s most iconic venues for ten days. The venues include:

The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Detroit, MI

The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI

Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY

Irving Plaza, New York, NY

The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA

Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA

The Met, Philadelphia, PA

Warner Theatre, Washington D.C.

The Fillmore Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD

Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Louisville Palace, Louisville, KY

The Fillmore New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL

The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN

Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN

House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX

The Aztec Theatre, San Antonio, TX

The Observatory North Park, San Diego, CA

August Hall, San Francisco, CA

We love Koo Koo Kanga Roo, these guys have to be seen live to really appreciate what they do. They are simply fun to watch, and their shows often inspires their audience to dance and participate with their performance.

Anyway, Slow Clap is Koo Koo Kanga Roo’s upcoming album, set for release on May 21, 2021. I noticed that they collaborated with Minneapolis producer Lazerbeak and Doomtree’s Sims… which actually didn’t surprise me, considering that they’re well-versed in the local rap/hip-hop scene (see Doomtree Zoo 2015).

With Slow Clap, I am hoping by the time the album is out, that we’ll be over this COVID-19 pandemic… and finally catch live music with Koo Koo Kanga Roo.

I’m ready to boogie with Koo Koo, are you?

It kills me, that in my 30 years of going to concerts and enjoying live shows… that for the first time since March 2020, that I had to put a long hiatus on staying indoors and in quarantine, no thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. I am itching to head back to see live music… and I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, as people are getting vaccination shots.

Of course, I shouldn’t be complaining, as the venues have suffered this past year. There are efforts like Save Our Stages, thanks to all the local venues (including First Avenue, The Cedar Cultural Center, and others) and MNIVA (Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance).

The federal Save Our Stages Act passed to help save our local venues, but from my understanding is that Minnesota venues are still waiting for federal relief funding to flow in. The local venues are mostly shut down, or running at very reduced capacities.

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

Minneapolis: May 23 to May 28, 2018

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from May 23 to May 28, 2018.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

Slayer at Armory Poster Read More Slayer 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. …

SLAYER
+ Testament, Behemoth, Anthrax, Lamb Of God
Armory
Thu 05/24/2018 (3:30pm/$97)
armorymn.com

Metal legends Slayer is headlining the Armory this Thursday, presented by 93x and Live Nation. Slayer are one of the Rushmore of metal, right up there with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. The band announced that 2018 will be their “Farewell Tour”, and if you’ve never seen them live, this is your final chance to jump at the opportunity.

This all-star lineup will also feature other favorites like Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament. With so many bands on the bill, the show literally will start at 5pm (doors opened at 3:30pm).

Tour dates:

05/16/2018 P.N.E. Forum Vancouver, BC
05/17/2018 South Okanagan Centre Penticton, BC
05/19/2018 Big Four Building Calgary, AB
05/20/2018 Shaw Conference Edmonton, AB
05/22/2018 Bell MTS Place Winnipeg, MB
05/24/2018 Armory Minneapolis, MN
05/25/2018 Hollywood Casino Amph Tinley Park, IL
05/27/2018 Michigan Lottery Sterling Heights, MI
05/29/2018 Budweiser Stage Toronto, ON
05/30/2018 Place Bell Laval, QC
06/01/2018 Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT
06/02/2018 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
06/04/2018 Santander Arena Reading, PA
06/06/2018 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
06/07/2018 Blossom Music Ctr Cuyahoga Falls, OH
06/09/2018 KeyBank Pavilion Burgettstown, PA
06/10/2018 Jiffy Lube Live Bristow, VA
06/12/2018 Veterans United Virginia Beach, VA
06/14/2018 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC
06/15/2018 Orlando Amphitheater Orlando, FL
06/17/2018 Smart Financial Centre Sugar Land, TX
06/19/2018 The Bomb Factory Dallas, TX
06/20/2018 Austin360 AmphAustin, TX

Weather Warlock / Quintron 2018 Poster Gosh! 2018 Poster Shilpa Ray at 7th Street Poster King Tuff 2018 Poster Red Wanting Blue 2018 Poster Wet 2018 Poster Memory Lanes Mary Ocher: Mix Tape Read More Quintron I'll always remember when I saw Quintron and Miss Pussycat at the Triple Rock in 2010. I had no idea there would be a puppet show - right in the middle of a regular concert. ... Night Moves The locally based band, promoting their debut, Colored Emotions (Domino) impressed us enough opening for Poliça (in Minneapolis and Colorado) and Django Django last year… Shilpa Ray Shilpa Ray to open. If the name sounded familiar, she used to be in a "Goth burlesque"-esque band called Shilpa Ray and her Happy Hookers. Since going solo, she's released three albums - her latest Last Year's Savage … King Tuff Opening up the show was Vermont's King Tuff (real name Kyle Thomas). King Tuff's sound is more garagey/surf that Burger Records is synonymous with... however the trio is currently signed to Sub Pop … Wet The trio was previously in Minneapolis at the 7th Street Entry in 2014, after supporting Sohn, but the 2016 tour is officially their first headlining tour. Look for their debut album Don’t You …

Other shows in the area:

WEATHER WARLOCK
+ KPT, Jeremy Ylvisaker
Turf Club
Wed 05/23/2018 (8pm/$10)
turfclub.net

Quintron’s new project Weather Warlock will be performing at the Turf Club in St Paul on Wednesday. Billed as “Quintronics Weather Warlock”, the show promised music demos and a concert. We’re big fans of Quintron & Miss Pussycat, so this should be an interesting new project.

KPT and Jeremy Ylvisaker to open.

GOSH!
Mortimer's Bar & Restaurant
Thu 05/24/2018 (9pm/$5)
mortimersbar.com

Chicago Psych-Rock Duo Gosh! (not to be confused with Australia’s Gosh, Estonia’s all-female GOSH or Comedian Gosh), will be stopping by Mortimer's Bar & Restaurant in Minneapolis on Thursday.

Other bands on the lineup: Cult of Lip, Go For Retro, and Material.

Tour dates:

May 22 - Milwaukee, WI @ Quarter’s
May 23 - Madison, WI @ Mickey’s
May 24 - Minneapolis, MN @ Mortimor’s
May 25 - Duluth, MN @ Blush
May 27 - Fargo, ND @ Red Raven

NIGHT MOVES
+ Anonymous Choir, Wellness, Shilpa Ray
First Avenue
Fri 05/25/2018 (8pm/$12)
first-avenue.com

Originally booked at the smaller 7th Street Entry, Shilpa Ray’s show got upgraded to the much larger mainroom, where she’ll share the stage with local favorites Night Moves, Anonymous Choir, and Wellness. We saw Ray in Sep 2015 and wrote, “Opening the evening was Brooklyn resident Shilpa Ray and band, who previously toured with her own blues rock band, the Happy Hookers. After a 2013 EP, the band returned this year with full-length, Last Year’s Savage (Northern Spy Records) and dazzled with a 40 min. performance that channeled Natalie Merchant or Norah Jones with a dash of Patti Smith, fronting Alabama Shakes.”

Shilpa Ray’s Nihilism EP is out now.

Tour dates:

5/16 - New Haven -Cafe Nine
5/17 - Cambridge - Middle East
5/18 - Portland - The Apohadion
5/19 - Montreal - Casa
5/20 - Toronto - The Baby G
5/21 - Detroit - El Club
5/22 - Jackson, MI - Michigan Theatre
5/23 - Chicago - The Hideout
5/24 - Milwaukee - Company Brewing
5/25 - Minneapolis - 1st Ave.
5/26 - Davenport - Raccoon Motel
5/28 - Norman - Opolis
5/29 - Dallas - Club Dada
5/30 - Austin - Mohawk Inside
5/31 - Houston - Spruce Goose

KING TUFF
+ Cut Worms, SASAMI
Turf Club
Sat 05/26/2018 (8pm/$15)
turfclub.net

King Tuff (aka Kyle Thomas) will be back in town at the Turf Club on Saturday, May 26th. We previously caught him in April 2015 and said, “While I felt King Tuff's music was different from Father John Misty, they were a lot of fun and won over the audience by the end of their 45-min set. This was evident when bassist Magic Jake came back on stage to clear out his section and you heard loud claps & cheers from the audience. Jake smiled and took a bow.”

Tour dates:

5/16 - Washington DC - Rock & Roll Hotel
5/18 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
5/19 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
5/20 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
5/21 - Brattleboro, VT - Stone Church
5/22 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
5/23 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
5/24 - Detroit, MI @ El Club
5/25 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
5/26 - Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
5/29 - Denver, CO @ Globe Hall
5/30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

RED WANTING BLUE
+ Liz Brasher, Ryan Traster Band
7th Street Entry
Sat 05/26/2018 (8pm/$15)
first-avenue.com

Red Wanting Blue is touring in support of The Wanting (Blue Élan Records).

Tour Dates:

05/15 – Los Angeles, CA – Peppermint Club
05/16 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
05/18 – Portland, OR – Hawthrone Lounge
05/20 – Seattle, WA - Barboza
05/22 – Bozeman, MT – Filling Station
05/23 – Salt Lake City, UT - Rye
05/24- Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
05/25 – Omaha, NE - Slowdown
05/26 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
05/30- Nashville, TN – City Winery
05/31 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hall

WET
+ Inc. No World
Varsity Theater
Sat 05/26/2018 (6:30pm/$25)
varsitytheater.com

Wet is returning to the area in support of their sophomore album Still Run (Columbia Records). Singer Kelly Zutrau said, “The album, and this track in particular, are about leaving dysfunctional relationships even when it is easier to stay. It’s also a call to myself to keep doing, running, making things in an overwhelming world. To not get stuck in comfortable situations if they’re not helping you to grow and live. It’s a documentation of my attempt to get control of my life, my relationships and my art and the losses I experienced in that process.”

Tour dates:

05/15 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
05/16 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair
05/17 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair
05/19 Washington, DC Black Cat
05/20 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
05/21 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
05/23 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground
05/24 Detroit, MI Magic Stick
05/25 Chicago, IL House of Blues
05/26 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater
05/29 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre
05/30 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
06/01 San Francisco, CA The Independent
06/02 San Francisco, CA The Independent
06/03 Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge
06/05 Los Angeles, CA El Rey
06/06 Santa Ana, CA Constellation Room

MEMORY LANES BLOCK PARTY
Memory Lanes
Sat 05/26/2018 (3pm/FREE)
Sun 05/27/2018 (3pm/FREE)
memorylanes.com

The 10th annual Memory Lanes Block Party is taking place this Saturday. The event is free and good for all ages.

Day One:

Dimitry Killstorm

Shannon Blowtorch

Cashinova

Mason Butler

Koo Koo Kanga Roo

Tickle Torture

Metasota

Lady Lark

Mina Moore

You Oughta Know

DJ Miss Brit

Sean Anonymous

Haphduzn

Day Two:

The Spits

Butcher's Union

Gay Witch Abortion

Blaha

Sass

Star Child

Black Widows

Joust

The Toxenes

Citric Dummies

Crankshaft & The Gear Grinders

Malamanya

MARY OCHER
7th Street Entry
Mon 05/28/2018 (7:30pm/$10)
first-avenue.com

Passionate and socially conscious musician Mary Ocher (mentored by psych-guru King Kahn) will be headlining the 7th Street Entry on Monday, May 28th.

Show up early to check out local musicians IN/VIA (from Nona Invie of Dark Dark Dark) and StoLyette.

Tour dates:

05/24/2018 PJ's Lager House Detroit, MI
05/25/2018 Louie's Trophy House Grill Kalamazoo, MI
05/26/2018 Archer Ballroom Chicago, IL
05/28/2018 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, MN
05/30/2018 The Monocle St. Louis, MO
05/31/2018 Pioneer Indianapolis, IN
06/05/2018 Hi-Tone Cafe Memphis, TN
06/10/2018 Comet Ping Pong Washington, DC
06/13/2018 The Sound Hole Philadelphia, PA
06/16/2018 Cambridge, MA Past Dates

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

Minneapolis: May 06 to May 07, 2018

Peter Hook 2018 Poster Read More Peter Hook Peter Hook’s last Minneapolis show at the Fine Line Music Café in November 2014 remained one of my favorite shows of that year. He played THREE sets (well technical two full sets and ... DJ Jake Rudh This is billed as a Transmission (aka DJ Jake Rudh) / BNLX release show, but music fans may want to take note that at nearly midnight, The Ocean Blue is scheduled to appear. …

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from May 06 to May 07, 2018.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT
+ DJ Jake Rudh
First Avenue
Mon 05/07/2018 (8pm/$25)
first-avenue.com

You know we love New Order, and Peter Hook & The Light will be fulfilling our love for the UK band. He’ll be playing a double set of Substance from New Order and Joy Division. If you missed his show in October 2016, here’s your second chance to see this unbelievable setlist.

Once again DJ Jake Rudh from Transmission to open.

2018 Tour Dates

5/1/18 Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
5/3/18 Royal Oak Music Hall, Royal Oak, MI
5/4/18 Metro, Chicago, IL
5/7/18 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
5/8/18 Venue, Vancouver, BC
5/10/18 Neptune Theater, Seattle, WA
5/11/18 Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
5/12/18 Warfield, San Francisco, CA
5/14/18 Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV
5/15/18 Metro Music Hall, Salt Lake City, UT
5/17/18 Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ
5/18/18 Wiltern Los Angeles, CA
5/19/18 House Of Blues, San Diego, CA
5/21/18 Ace Of Spades, Sacramento, CA
5/22/18 Granada, Dallas, TX
5/23/18 Mohawk, Austin, TX
5/25/18 Cat's Cradle, Carrboro, NC
5/26/18 Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
5/27/18 Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
5/29/18 Exit / In, Nashville, TN
5/30/18 Paper Tiger, San Antonio, TX
5/31/18 Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
6/3/18 Plaza Live, Orlando, FL
6/4/18 State Theater, St. Petersburg, FL

Dr Dog 2018 Poster Olden Yolk 2018 Poster Tricky 2018 Poster Peelander-Z 2018 Poster Read More Tricky The show was very upbeat, and they seemed to be having a lot of fun playing. They seemed to have a good dynamic with each other and seemed to play off each other's energy and such. … Peelander-Z Superhero Japanese punk band Peelander-Z is currently on tour in support of their latest album, Metalander-Z, stopping by the Turf Club in St Paul last night, September 19th. …

Other shows in the area:

DR. DOG
+ Son Little
Palace Theatre
Sun 05/06/2018 (7pm/$35)
palacestpaul.com

Bluegrass/Americana band Dr. Dog will be back in town on Sunday, May 6th, at the Palace Theatre.

Show up early to check out Philly’s Son Little. He’s touring in support of his latest album New Magic. We previously caught him in Nov 2017 and wrote, “The music of Philadelphia’s Son Little simmers with a slow burn, an ideal elixir to warm the enraptured crowd on a chilly weekend evening.”

Tour dates:

5/2 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
5/4 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
5/5 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
5/6 – St. Paul, MN – The Palace Theatre
5/8 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
5/10 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
5/11 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
5/12 – Austin, TX – Moody Theater
5/13 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
5/14 – San Antonio, TX – The Rustic
5/16 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater
5/17 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City

OLDEN YOLK
Bryant Lake Bowl Theater
Sun 05/06/2018 (7:30pm/$10)
bryantlakebowl.com

NY-based Olden Yolk will be stopping by Bryant Lake Bowl on Sunday, May 6th, in support of their debut album Trouble In Mind. Olden Yolk is the project of Shane Butler (of Quilt) and Cait Shaffer.

Tour Dates:

May 1 - Montreal, QC @ Casa Del Popolo
May 2 - Toronto, ON @ The Smiling Buddha
May 3 - Cleveland, OH @ Happy Dog
May 4 - Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
May 5 - Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Psych Fest
May 6 - Minneapolis, MN @ Bryant Lake Bowl
May 8 - Bloomington, IN @ The Blockhouse
May 9 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
May 10 - Raleigh, NC @ Neptune’s Parlor
May 11 - Washington, DC @ DC9
May 18 - Philadelphia, PA @ Everybody Hits
May 19 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

TRICKY
+ Young Magic
7th Street Entry
Mon 05/07/2018 (7pm/$28/Sold Out)
first-avenue.com

Finally! We’ve been waiting for Tricky forever. Originally, he was scheduled to appear in October 2013 (as we previously announced), but unfortunately, due to some troubles in his youth, the U.S. refused to grant him a working Visa.

It seemed to have all been sorted out for this 2018 tour, just in time for his new album ununiform (False Idols). The Minneapolis show is sold out.

Young Magic to open. The group was last seen in town in May 2016, and we said, “The music of Young Magic had a much more ambient feel than that of the headliner. Singer Melati Malay had a very haunting vocal style which can only be described as spooky.”

Tour dates:

5/2 - Boston, MA @ Paradise
5/3 - New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
5/5 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
5/6 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Longue
5/7 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
5/9 - Denver, CO @ Marquis
5/12 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
5/13 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
5/14 - Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
5/16 - San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
5/17 - San Diego, CA @ Music Box
5/18 - Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre

PEELANDER-Z
+ Bug Fix, Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Turf Club
Mon 05/07/2018 (7:30/$13)
turfclub.net

The always entertaining band Peelander-Z will be headlining the Turf Club in St Paul. The Japanese/New York’s latest Go PZ Go is out now.

Two animal bands Bug Fix (featuring Red Pens and Birthday Suits members) and Koo Koo Kanga Roo to open.

Tour Dates:

05/01/2018: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
05/02/2018: Ft. Collins, CO @ Hodi’s Half Note
05/03/2018: Denver, CO @ Streets Of London
05/05/2018: Sioux Falls, SD @ Bigs Bar
05/06/2018: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
05/07/2018: Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
05/09/2018: Tulsa, OK @ Mercury Lounge
05/10/2018: Norman, OK @ Opolis
05/11/2018: Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silver Leaf
05/12/2018: Austin, TX @ Barracuda

vu ([email protected]) ‚ô• weheartmusic.com ‚ô• facebook.com ‚ô• twitter.com/weheartmusic

The Smith Street Band at Nether Bar, Minneapolis (10 April 2016)

Read More The Smith Street Band The Smith Street Band is a rock band from Australia (not to be confused with Bruce Springsteen's The E Street Band). They have been around for a couple years at this point but for some reason they were never on my radar. ... Hard Girls Opening up the show was San Jose's Hard Girls. The trio (Morgan, Mike, and Max) played some punk rock songs from their latest A Thousand Surfaces (Asian Man Records) ... and in typical punk songs, many ... Koo Koo Kanga Roo Koo Koo Kanga Roo was, as usual, a riot. I don't think I've ever been to a show with so many children, but it's perfect for the music of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Helping them dance were two helpers, one dressed ...

Melbourne’s The Smith Street Band (formerly Wil Wagner and the Smith Street Band) recently stopped by the Nether Bar (inside Mill City Nights) in Minneapolis last Sunday, April 10th.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo

As soon as the show started, I knew I was in for a great night. Koo Koo Kanga Roo is a local rap duo that typically plays at elementary schools. Yes, you read that right. They have songs geared towards young kids but for some reason, they have this strange older following. That following is for good reason because these guys are, straight up, one of the most fun live bands I have ever seen. I have seen these guys before and fall in love a little bit more every single time.

As I said, their songs are geared towards very young kids but when you put it in a bar setting with the alcohol flowing, it becomes much more entertaining. Their songs are about things like peanut butter & jelly sandwiches with no crust, unicorns, and everyone's favorite, their song about pooping. They are such a weird band to have open a punk rock show but, when you start to think about it, they are the perfect band to open up a show like last night's show.

They get you moving and get you excited to be out at a concert. They aren't afraid to get up in your face and get you involved in their show. There was one point where they were singing their song about unibrows and then ended up in the crowd rubbing everyone's (including mine) invisible unibrow. It was awkward, being a person that hates having eyes on me, I could feel my face turn bright red as he rubbing my "unibrow" but I felt more than comfortable. The way these guys can make you dance even if you hate dancing is something that is hard to explain. You can't help but have fun during their sets.

Like I said, they were a weird choice as an opening band for last night but they had befriended headlining act The Smith Street Band on a previous tour and I truly think that is the best way to land an opening spot on a bill. It doesn't matter if all of the music is the same for an entire bill, what matters is that everyone has fun during all of the bands and that is exactly what happened last night. I spotted members of all of the other bands out doing Koo Koo Kangaroo's version of the hokey pokey with the rest of the crowd. Everyone's face was beaming and everyone was laughing.

Hard Girls

Signals Midwest

All of the other bands sounded amazing last night. Both Hard Girls and Signals Midwest have earned a spot on my daily playlist due to absolutely killing it last night. The former band previously opened up for Say Anything in July 2015 and we described their songs as “punk songs, many of these tracks were short bursts of energy.”

The crowd was small but the energy they had was not. The show was held in the basement of Mill City Nights which is a huge venue but the basement is literally just a brick room with one of the smallest stages in the Twin Cities but all of the bands and crowd made the most of it. It was steamy, smelly, and sweaty... everything you could want in a Sunday night rock show.

The headliner of the night was The Smith Street Band all the way from Australia. I am a huge fan of these guys because I find their lyrics relatable, their music fun, and come on, who doesn't love an Australian accent coming out of some really cute guys?! I have seen them once before but that was opening for The Front Bottoms and, although I really enjoyed them, I was too focused on the fact that The Front Bottoms were about to take the stage.

Last night I was able to give The Smith Street Band the attention they deserved and I truly enjoyed their set for what it was. It was fast and dirty. The sound was punk rock but with the feeling of indie rock. Everyone in the crowd was loving it and the modest crowd quickly turned into some resemblance of a mosh pit only with more dancing and less shirtless, angry men than I'm used to.

Singer Will Wagner seemed to tear up when thanking the crowd. He went on to explain how amazing it is to go to all of these new cities and meet all of these people. This was The Smith Street Band's first headlining U.S. tour which they were more than deserving of. It almost seemed as if Will was completely overwhelmed with the support they have been getting on this tour. What was important is that every single person in that venue stopped what they were doing when the bands were on stage. The merch tables were flooding between bands and after the show with people wanting to support these amazing bands. People cared and that's what the music scene is all about.

The Smith Street Band at Nether Bar, Minneapolis (10 April 2016)

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

Doomtree Zoo at CHS Field, St Paul (03 October 2015)

Set Times     Main Stage: 3:00pm Aby Wolf 4:00pm Open Mike Eagle 5:00pm Shabazz Palaces 6:05pm Trash Talk 7:10pm Aesop Rock 8:20pm Doomtree     Side Stage: 2:40pm Koo Koo Kanga Roo 3:40pm Serengeti 4:40pm Anonymous Choir 5:45pm Serengeti 6:50pm Anonymous Choir Read More Doomtree Minneapolis hip-hop collective Doomtree is on the road to SXSW 2015! The tour is also to promote his upcoming full-lenth album All Hands, due January 27, 2015 on their own Doomtree Records. .... Koo Koo Kanga Roo Koo Koo Kanga Roo was, as usual, a riot. I don't think I've ever been to a show with so many children, but it's perfect for the music of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Helping them dance were two helpers, one dressed ...

"Who's from Minneapolis?" "Who's from Saint Paul?" "What's the difference?"

Trash Talk

Those words from Trash Talk singer, Lee Spielman, really stuck with me. It didn't matter what city you were from. It didn't matter what kind of music you usually listen to. It didn't matter what age you were. If you were at the Doomtree Zoo yesterday, you had a great time no matter what.

Trash Talk was definitely a highlight of yesterday. These guys are a straight up punk/ hardcore band from California that seemed to be the odd guys out on a primarily hip hop lineup. That being said, they definitely didn't let this slow them down or let the crowd stand back and ignore them.

From the second they took the stage these guys commanded the ever-growing crowd. The singer was only on stage for one or two songs and spent the rest of the set in the crowd. It didn't matter that he was using a corded microphone... Eventually, someone gave him a wireless. "Uh-oh.. I've got a wireless mic now. Nobody is safe!" he joked. Spielman was all over the place. He didn't care if you were a hip-hop fan, a rap fan, a punk fan, whatever... you were going to do as he said and he proved that.

At one point, he had everyone get really close and sit on the ground with him. People were hesitant as there was a mosh pit that kept breaking out and some of this crowd seemed a bit un-experienced in the moshing realm. If you weren't sitting on the ground, he would call you out. Nobody was exempt.

Doomtree Zoo was held at CHS Field which is the beautiful new baseball stadium in Saint Paul built for the Saint Paul Saints. Spielman found this to be a perfect chance to get the crowd involved yet again. At one point, he had everyone in the crowd go find a seat in the stands. His goal was to try and fill up a whole section. Although this didn't work as well as everyone sitting on the ground. It was still quite a sight to be seen.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo is a local pop/ hip-hop duo that was doing pop up shows all day long. Doomtree Zoo was advertised as a family friendly event and Koo Koo Kanga Roo really stuck to that idea. We caught one of their pop up shows near the entrance of the stadium. They started with their song "Everybody Poops," which is literally about how everybody poops. The crowd was a mixed bag but mostly families with young children. They would get the kids to dance and sing along but even if you weren't a child, you couldn't help but to smile.

They only played two songs during the pop up show but for the second song they brought Stef (better known as local rapper and Doomtree member P.O.S.) up to sing about orange juice called "Shake It Well." The song was hilarious and ended with bringing out the coveted rainbow parachute. You know the one! That one that they would bring out in P.E. class in Elementary School that you wave in the air and sit under and would be the highlight of your week.

Doomtree

Doomtree was obviously the headliner and they more than earned that right. Their set was great. It was full of group songs and songs from the individual artists of the collective. The crowd never stopped jumping and dancing which helped warm us all up being that it was a freezing October day in the cities. The high only reach the mid 50's but that didn't stop the crowd and just gave them more reason to move around.

The music was on point. The energy was immeasurable. Even if you didn't know the words to any of their songs (although majority of the crowd knew every word) you couldn't help but dance along with a smile on your face. Each member of Doomtree had their time to shine but it was more about the group as a whole which was nice.

The night ended with a beautiful fireworks display behind the stage and everyone stumbled home happy as a clam.

The Doomtree Zoo was a great example of just how diverse the Twin Cities are. There was rap, hip-hop, punk, pop, and even choral music. There were inflatable bouncy houses right next to the Surly beer truck. There were all different kinds of people all gathered for one common love... the love of music, the love of local music.

Doomtree Zoo at CHS Field, St Paul (03 October 2015)

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

Minneapolis Music Guide: April 27 - May 3, 2014

Read More Natural Animal Nashville's Natural Child are back with a brand new album called Dancin' With Wolves. The album is coming out February 25th, 2014 on Burger Records, but you can catch their preview single …

Here is a guide of some Minneapolis (and St Paul) shows next week: April 27 - May 3.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: TURF CLUB
The Black Lips w/ Natural Child

Natural Child are currently on tour with Atlanta's The Black Lips.

It's probably likely that the Nashville band will be testing out some of their tracks from their latest album, Dancin' With Wolves (out now on Burger Records).

Tour dates:

04/24/14 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick *
04/25/14 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom *
04/26/14 Chicago, IL @ Logan Square Auditorium *
04/27/14 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club *
04/28/14 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room *
04/29/14 St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird *
04/30/14 Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room *
05/01/14 Dallas, TX City Tavern
05/02/14 Austin, TX Hotel Vegas
05/03/14 New Orleans, LA @ Siberia *
05/24/14 Birmingham, AL Good People Brewing
07/16/14 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios

* w/ Black Lips

Read More Kottonmouth Kings You know what 4/20 is don't you? Is it any wonder why pot-day is so close to earth-day? In "celebration" is The Green Album …

MONDAY, APRIL 28: 7TH STREET ENTRY
Buds and Suds Tour

Devin the Dude and co-headliner Berner, along with Cool Nutz and Potluck, are currently touring on their "Buds and Suds" Tour.

Expect some gangsta raps and songs celebrating marijuana (buds) and other green things (dollar bills).

Tour dates:

April 25 Louisville, KY Vernon Club
April 26 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
April 27 Chicago, IL Subterranean
April 28 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
April 30 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room
May 2 Fort Collins, CO Hodi's Half Note
May 3 Denver, CO Roxy
May 5 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge
May 7 Seattle, WA The Crocodile
May 8 Vancouver, BC Fortune
May 9 Portland, OR Peter's Room
May 10 Eugene, OR WOW Hall
May 11 Garberville, CA Toph's House
May 13 San Francisco, CA Slim's
May 15 Sacramento, CA Ace Of Spades
May 16 Santa Barbara, CA Velvet Jones
May 17 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy
May 19 Santa Ana, CA Observatory
May 20 Scottssdale, AZ Pub Rock
May 21 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
May 22 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad

Read More Peelander-Z Peelander-Z just announced their full nationwide tour for Metalander-Z. We previously saw them tour last year, and I noted that they didn't play that many songs from the album. I guess that was just the preview…

TUESDAY, APRIL 29: 7TH STREET ENTRY
Peelander-Z w/ Downtown Brown and Koo Koo Kanga Roo

Way too many shows on this date. I would love to see Lisa Marie Presley at the Dakota (she's doing a residency, but I can't afford to see her) (UPDATE 4/29/14: Lisa Marie Presley canceled her entire tour due to health reasons.) or the Pains of Being Pure at Heart at the Triple Rock Social Club or Bombay Bicycle Club at the Varsity .... but the show I've already been assigned to is Peelander-Z at the 7th Street Entry. I've seen the band many, many, many times, but they are always fun and it never gets old.

Tour dates:

04/24/14 Missoula, MT The Palace
04/25/14 Bozeman, MT Zebra Cocktail Lounge
04/26/14 Billings, MT The Railyard
04/28/14 Fargo, ND The Aquarium
04/29/14 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
05/01/14 Chicago, IL Reggies Rock Club
05/02/14 Pontiac, MI Pike Room
05/03/14 Toledo, OH Frankie's Inner-City
05/04/14 Newport, KY Southgate House
05/05/14 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
05/06/14 Columbus, OH Rumba Cafe
05/07/14 Pittsburgh, PA The Altar Bar
05/08/14 Richmond, VA Strange Matter
05/09/14 Baltimore, MD Ottobar
05/10/14 Wilmington, DE Mojo 13
05/14/14 Providence, RI Fete Lounge
05/15/14 Boston, MA Church
05/16/14 New Haven, CT Cafe Nine
05/17/14 Brooklyn, NY The Glasslands Gallery
06/21/14 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero Theatre

A Dream of a Thousand Cats

Read More Koo Koo Kanga Roo Koo Koo Kanga Roo was, as usual, a riot. I don't think I've ever been to a show with so many children, but it's perfect for the music of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Helping them dance were two helpers, one dressed ...

KOO KOO KANGA ROO
kookookangaroo.com

Koo Koo Kanga Roo, the fun children music dance duo from Minneapolis will be heading out on tour in October with Frank Turner and The Smith Street Band.

Their new single is called "Cat Party", purrfect for their appearance at the Internet Cat Video Festival 2013 on August 28th (yes, this will feature Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub). Last year, 10,000 people showed up for the first Cat Video Festival, so expect the same, if not more, attendance this year.

Anyway, the "Cat Party" song is taken from Koo Koo's EP called VIRAL: Songs About Cats and Stuff, which is out in association with the Walker Art Center.

You can stream or download the song for free on soundcloud.com:



Tour dates with Frank Turner and The Smith Street Band below:

10/04 - Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH 10/05 - Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI 10/06 - Wooly’s, Des Moines, IA 10/07 - The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE 10/09 - Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO 10/11 - Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT 10/12 - Hard Rock Live , Las Vegas, NV 10/14 - The Fonda, Los Angeles, CA 10/15 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA 10/16 - The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA 10/18 - The Neptune, Seattle, WA 10/19 - Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR 10/20 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC 10/22 - MacEwan Ballroom, Calgary, AB 10/23 - The Union Hall, Edmonton, AB 10/25 - Louis’, Saskatoon, SK 10/26 - The Garrick, Winnipeg, MB 10/28 - Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis, MN 10/29 - The Vic, Chicago, IL 10/30 - The Blue Note, Columbia, MO 11/01 - Granada Theater, Dallas, TX

11/02 - Mohawk, Austin, TX 11/04 - Fitzgerald’s, Houston, TX 11/05 - Soul Kitchen, Mobile, AL 11/06 - Jack Rabbits, Jacksonville, FL 11/08 - Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 11/09 - Beachum Theatre, Orlando, FL 11/10 - Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA 11/12 - The Music Farm, Charleston, SC 11/13 - Jillian’s, Columbia, SC 11/15 - Amos’ Southend, Charlotte, NC 11/16 - The Norva, Norfolk, VA 11/18 - The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC 11/19 - Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA 11/20 - The Taft Ballroom, Cincinnati, OH 11/22 - St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI 11/23 - Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY 11/24 - Calvin Theater, Northampton, MA 11/25 - Upstate Concert Theater, Albany, NY 11/27 - Terminal 5, New York, NY 11/29 - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA 11/30 - House of Blues, Boston, MA

Read More Mazzy Star It's hard to believe, but Mazzy Star is back. Their new single, "Common Burn" and "Lay Myself Down" is available from digital retailer as a pre-order, it officially comes ...

MAZZY STAR
facebook.com

Mazzy Star's upcoming album is called Seasons Of Your Day, and it's coming out September 24th, 2013 via Rhymes Of An Hour Records… Seventeen years since their previous third album, Among My Swan.

If you can't wait to hear the new album, you can check out "California" via YouTube.

Seasons Of Your Day Track Listing:

1. In The Kingdom
2. California
3. I’ve Gotta Stop
4. Does Someone Have Your Baby Now
5. Common Burn
6. Seasons Of Your Day
7. Flying Low
8. Sparrow
9. Spoon
10. Lay Myself Down

Read More Passion Pit Overall it was an amazing show, P Pit really knows how to put on a show and they sure picked winners with Youngblood Hawke. High energy all night with these guys. So if they are stopping by your town and it hasn’t sold out ...

WILDCAT! WILDCAT!
wildcatwildcat.com

Wildcat! Wildcat! is just one of the hundred of bands in the Taco Bell's Feed the Beat lineup. The program, which started in 2009, help young bands by promoting their music in various showcases (as seen at last year's SXSW) or providing them with gift cards ($500), and I am assuming free Taco Bell food.

Jesse Taylor, lead singer of Wildcat! Wildcat! had this to say about Feed the Beat: "We love how Feed the Beat paired a well-recognized band from a major label with a new band from an independent label to show contrasting experiences at SXSW. The concept of the film and that Sam Jones is the director is truly indicative of how in tune Taco Bell is with today's musical culture. We’re excited to be a part of the new Feed the Beat lineup."

Taylor is referring to the documentary, or rather the rockumentary film from Sam Jones featuring Passion Pit and Wildcat! Wildcat! at SXSW.

Tour dates:

10/17/13 West Hollywood, CA Troubadour
10/18/13 West Hollywood, CA Troubadour
10/19/13 San Diego, CA Soda Bar
10/23/13 Vancouver, BC Venue

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Movits! at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (04/10/11)

Tour Dates 04/13/11 Moe’s, Englewood, CO 04/14/11 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT 04/15/11 Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC 04/17/11 Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA 04/18/11 Holocene, Portland, OR 04/20/11 Bottom Of The Hill, San Francisco, CA 04/22/11 The Satellite, Los Angeles, CA 04/23/11 Soda Bar, San Diego, CA 04/24/11 Martini Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ 04/25/11 Plush, Tucson, AZ 04/27/11 Mohawk, Austin, TX 04/28/11 The Loft, Dallas, TX 05/01/11 (TBA) New Orleans, LA 05/03/11 New World Brewery, Tampa, FL 05/04/11 529, Atlanta, GA 05/05/11 King’s Barcade, Raleigh, NC 05/06/11 IOTA Club & Cafe, Arlington, VA 05/08/11 Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY Read More Movits! A few nights ago on the Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert endorsed this Swedish band Movits!. Their new album, Out of my Head will be available for streaming on his website...

Movits! came from northern Sweden to bring their jazz/hip hop fusion music to Minneapolis at the Varsity Theater on Sunday, April 10^th.

KOO KOO KANGA ROO

Helping them get the party started was Koo Koo Kanga Roo, one of my favorite Minneapolis band. This was my third time seeing the band, so I knew what to expect: a lot of fun.

If you've never seen them, they are two dudes called Brian and Neil (Neil is the one with the 'stache).

I'm probably missing a few songs, but in chronical order, they did: "LMNOP", "No Crust", "Hopscotch", "Friendship Bracelets", "Dinosaur Stomp", Pirate song (don't know the actual title), "Ninja Pup", "What's That You Say?", "Rollin in the Minivan", "Shake Yo Foot", and song under the sheet. I'm sketchy on some of the songs because I was busy participating on the dance moves.

Prior to Movits! coming on stage, we had Zacke and his DJ doing a brief four song warmup. I didn't know/understand any of their songs, but I did made a mental note that the song that had the banjo from the DJ was the best one.

An intro theme song was played and then Movits! came on stage: featuring singer Johan Rensfeldt, saxophonist Jocke Nilsson, upright bass player Magnus (at least that's what I heard during the introduction of the band) and DJ/guitarist Anders Rensfeldt.

Listening to Johan talk between songs, he seems like he's struggling with English. I didn't have trouble understanding the man. According to him, they're from a very "hick" part of Sweden (the north) and he seems proud of it.

Since all of their songs are in Swedish (or if they were sung in English, like the final song on the set, "Sammy Davis Jr", I couldn't really tell if they threw in a nordic word or not). From the banter on stage, their songs are about "the f word", love songs ("shoot me in the head!"), and Swedish politicians (I think for "40 Bars").

Favorite song of the set was "Na Na Nah", for obvious reason (the lyrics are international!).

There were three songs for the encore, which seems unusual for me (lately, I've only been treated to one or two songs). The best of the encore was "Fel del av gården", which got a huge response.

If you catch Movits! on tour this year, be sure to check out their videos on youtube (Diary Video #1 and Diary Video #2 just went live). I'm sure Minneapolis will be shown there, as Johan mentioned that this was the most beautiful venue they've ever seen. And it's probably true, The Varsity Theater is amazing, and that's why it's my favorite concert venue.

MOVITS!

vu () ♥ movits.se ♥ kookookangaroo.com