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SPCO: Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at Wooddale Church (07 Mar 2025)

Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at Wooddale Church (07 Mar 2025) Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Program Order Valerie Coleman: Tracing Visions (16 min) Till Amandla! Astor Piazzolla: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (25 min) Otoño Porteño (Autumn) Invierno Porteño (Winter) Primavera Porteña (Spring) Verano Porteño (Summer) -- INTERMISSION -- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Chamber Symphony No. 1 (27 min) Moderato e semplice Andante cantabile Scherzo. Allegro non tanto e con fuoco – Trio Finale. Allegro giusto – Allegro vivace Read More SPCO Orchestra fans, join us for the seventh annual Musician Appreciation Concert, taking place on March 1, 2025. This one-night-only program celebrates the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) ...

While the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra calls the Ordway home, they also perform in a number of the larger churches around the Twin Cities. This weekend’s performances of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. This performance was at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie.

The concert began with Valerie Coleman’s Tracing Visions, composed in 2022. Coleman is a flutist and composer, as well as the founder of Imani Winds, a Grammy award winning quintet. This first movement is subtitled Till (as in Emmett Till), begins with a mournful cello solo, before the rest of the string instruments join (there are no other instruments in this piece). The build up from the violins was particularly pleasing, and the fact the Chamber Orchestra were all standing added an imposing visual to go with the music. This is great modern classical music, while still being very accessible. The second movement is called, Amandla!, the Zulu word for power. Here, the interplay between violins and violas is the stand out. The percussive double bass provided a solid foundation that let the rest of the Chamber Orchestra build off of, and a late set of overlapping violin parts that ultimately merged was quite beautifully done.

The next section was the featured work from Astor Piazzolla. Piazzolla was an Argentinian tango composer and bandoneon player. (Side note: I had no idea what a bandoneon was, and looking it up found it is a concertina instrument, like an accordion, that is common in tango ensembles.) This set of compositions, completed in 1970, starts with otoño (autumn), in contrast to Vivaldi’s which begins with spring. Also in contrast to the original compositions, which included electric guitar, this is a version adapted by Russian composer Leonid Desyatnikov in the 1990’s for classical instruments and featuring violin.

Featured violinist Eunice Kim appeared on stage in a red dress, a stark visual contrast from the all black of the rest of the Chber Orchestra. Otoño Porteño certainly featured that violin work, but also gave an extended cello solo. This movement has a bit of a sleep quality to it before Kim’s violin went on a tear. Kim’s skill was on display, both her wonderful dynamic control, as well as the difficulty of the music. She was a great center of attention and the rest of the Chamber Orchestra was excellent in support. Invierno Porteño was certainly a darker, more brooding sound, with great work from the violas. Primavera Porteña really showed off that tango background and had a dance feel throughout. This could easily be the score to a film, and Kim continued to shine with an enthralled audience. The transition to Verano Porteño gave us a tiny snippet of Vivaldi, getting loud laughs of appreciation from the crowd. Verano had similar themes to the spring movement, but had a fuller orchestral sound. A high powered ending to the movement led to a well deserved standing ovation.

After intermission, the Chamber orchestra (seated this time, and with some other instruments) returned to finish the concert with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Chamber Symphony No. 1. It’s a gentle opening and the Chamber Orchestra did well to slowly build up, giving an effective dynamic range. Woodwinds and brass were excellent complements to the strings, and the timpani provided that needed sense of grandeur in the first movement. The contrast of the andante (moderately slow) let strings take over with a later oboe solo and that gentle pace was well played. The third movement picked things up again, and there’s almost a marching quality to this section. The Chamber Orchestra had a vibrant feel as they headed through the finale with a bright and airy close.

With another performance tomorrow evening, this one at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra will be sure to wow another audience.

Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at Wooddale Church (07 Mar 2025)

thaddeus ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

SPCO: Musician Appreciation Concert (01 Mar 2025)

Musician Appreciation Concert (01 Mar 2025) Musician Appreciation Concert Program Order Gioachino Rossini: Overture to L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) (8 min) Franz Schubert: Andante from Symphony No. 2 (9 min) Henryk Wieniawski: Scherzo-tarantelle (6 min) -- INTERMISSION -- Wolfgang Amadeus: Symphony No. 34 (21 min) Allegro vivace Andante di molto Finale: Allegro vivace Zoltán Kodály: Hungarian Rondo (8 min) Read More SPCO Orchestra fans, join us for the seventh annual Musician Appreciation Concert, taking place on March 1, 2025. This one-night-only program celebrates the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) ...

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra hosted its Seventh Annual Musician Appreciation Concert at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. A quick chat with staff helped describe this unique event, where all proceeds for the evening go directly to the musicians of the Chamber Orchestra, a decidedly pro-worker stance. It’s also a great reminder of the rarity of the fact that the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra does not have a conductor, but is artist led. In a clever bit of whimsy, the printed program set the evening up as a musical dinner menu, starting with antipasti and working through the meal to the dolce.

The first piece was the overture to L’Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers), by Giaochino Rossini. Rossini is celebrated for his overtures, with The Barber of Seville being his most famous. The Chamber Orchestra drew the audience in right away as this piece starts with quiet plucking of the strings and an oboe solo (Cassie Pilgrim). It was fun to watch the Chamber Orchestra lean into the joyous crescendo and run through the paces of this light and airy number (the larger composition is a comedic opera).

Next up was Asante from Symphony No. 2 from Franz Schubert. It is mind blowing to me that Schubert created over 1500 works even though he died at the age of 31. Just a tremendous artistic output. A strings heavy start is followed by several wind instruments joining along. The joining of the lower strings was fun to visually watch, as they are on opposite sides of the stage, and that depth of tone was excellent. In fact, the whole number highlighted different aspects of the orchestra, as woodwinds took over from the lower strings in the next variation of the theme. A dramatic change of pace in the middle let the Chamber Orchestra be dramatic, and they nailed it.

The final number before intermission was Henryk Wieniawski’s Scherzo-tarantelle, composed in 1885. Wieniawski was a composer and accomplished violinist, who created a number of well-regarded violin pieces. And indeed, a number of orchestra members vacated their spaces, leaving only the strings to perform this piece. This featured viola player Lisa Sung and was a vibrant and complicated number. The stylistic runs highlighted Sung’s outstanding capabilities and the rest of the strings get their moments of support. Given the night’s focus on appreciating the musicians, this was an inspired choice and the audience burst into a standing ovation at its conclusion.

The longest piece of the evening was Symphony No. 34, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Written in 1779 in his last years in Salzburg, it has three movements, and is scored for oboe, bassoon, horn, trumpet, timpani and strings. It starts with a bang (I think the proper term is a “fanfare”), and is unmistakably Mozart. The Chamber Orchestra showed their ability to precisely control volume and pace through the opening movement. The overlapping but distinct themes from the strings and woodwinds was a pleasant back and forth. Musically, this seems to travel some similar roads, but it’s going places rather than repeating variations. The second movement starts slower and lighter (just strings) and the orchestra handled the change well. It neatly bounces along at an unhurried pace and was very soothing. The final movement regains the more sprightly tempo of the first movement and gave us a featured oboe. The last sections feel like a train coming into the station, punctuated by the woodwinds and timpani.

The final number was Hungarian Rondo composed by Zoltán Kodály in 1917. Kodály was a musical education as well as composer, whose very first principle is that “music is for everyone”. This number was inspired by Hungarian soldier’s music in WWI. Some enjoyable woodwinds accentuate the main melody. It takes a decidedly left turn into an Eastern European folk music feel at several pints, but always returns to that strong orchestral violin sound. In fact there’s a series of change in musical direction and was a great way to highlight the Chamber Orchestra and give the audience a toe tapper of a song to end on.

Musician Appreciation Concert (01 Mar 2025)

thaddeus ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (03/09/2025)

What’s happening this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

K.Flay with Vienna Vienna Read More K.Flay After a short set by hip-hop songstress K. Flay (who we previously saw at a Go 96.3 show and was still promoting last year’s Life as a Dog (Bummer Picnic Records), this co-headlining bill ...

06 Mar 2025 Thursday

K.Flay
with Vienna Vienna
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Multi-platinum and 2x GRAMMY-nominee K.Flay is touring in support of I’m Making Friends With The Silence (Giant Music). The tour will stop in Minneapolis, at First Avenue, on March 6, 2025.

K.Flay at Palace Theatre (12 June 2023)

We saw K.Flay in June 2023, and wrote, “K.Flay aka Kristine Meredith Flaherty was next with a lively set of hip-hop meets industrial rock…. There was considerable thought of never touring again for a musician who needed equilibrium as well as the ability to hear. It’s amazing that not only has she regained her balance but appeared no worse for wear as she flung about the expansive stage with “Black Wave” and “This Baby Don’t Cry.” She even encouraged the audience to dial in and let loose and burn down like a Phoenix: “… right here at the Palace and not at the grocery store.”

Vienna Vienna to open.

Tour Dates:

Feb 24, 2025 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades

Feb 26, 2025 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox

Feb 27, 2025 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom

Feb 28, 2025 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom

Mar 1, 2025 - Boise, ID - Treefort Music Hall

Mar 3, 2025 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Grand

Mar 4, 2025 - Denver, CO - Summit

Mar 6, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave

Mar 7, 2025 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre

Mar 8, 2025 - Indianapolis, IN - Hi-Fi Annex

Mar 10, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Danforth

Mar 11, 2025 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom

Mar 12, 2025 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza

Mar 14, 2025 - Boston, MA - Paradise

Mar 15, 2025 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club

Mar 16, 2025 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall

Mar 18, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Underground

Mar 19, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

Mar 21, 2025 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall

Mar 22, 2025 - Kansas City, MO - Truman

Mar 23, 2025 - Tulsa, OK - Cain's

Mar 26, 2025 - Phoenix, AZ - Van Buren

Mar 27, 2025 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater

Mar 28, 2025 - San Diego, CA - Observatory North Park

Mar 29, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco

Cindy Lawson at Cloudland Theater (07 Mar 2025) Read More Cindy Lawson Vocalist Cindy Lawson of local ‘80s indie-rock band The Clams was brought up mid-set, to sing along on a couple songs mid-set, with Stringfellow trying his best to comically make pun wordplays …

07 Mar 2025 Friday

Cindy Lawson
with The Unnamed, Muun Bato
at Cloudland Theater
cloudlandtheater.com

Cindy Lawson will be headlining the Cloudland Theater, in Minneapolis, on March 7, 2025.

Cindy Lawson at Patrick's Cabaret (21 May 2016)

We saw Cindy Lawson in May 2016 and wrote, “Vocalist Cindy Lawson of local ‘80s indie-rock band The Clams was brought up mid-set, to sing along on a couple songs mid-set, with Stringfellow trying his best to comically make pun wordplays in his introduction of Lawson. The new ‘Rollercoaster Zen’ was heartfully dedicated to their two late former band members while ‘Titanic’ unleashed drummer Sirgusa with a sweaty fury in the not-well-ventilated room. Though the newer songs were well received, the crowd of mostly thirty and forty year olds responded noticeably to older favorites like 1996’s ‘Throwaway’ and ‘Please Return It’.”

The Unnamed and Muun Bato to open.

Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at Wooddale Church (07 Mar 2025) Read More SPCO St. Paul Chamber Orchestra kicked off a three-day run of performances featuring guest performer, pianist Roman Rabinovich. As usual for the SPCO, the performance was at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul ...

07 Mar 2025 Friday
08 Mar 2025 Saturday

Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
at Wooddale Church, Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ
thespco.org

SPCO violinist Eunice Kim takes center stage in The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, playing at the Wooddale Church on March 7, and St Paul’s United Church of Christ on March 8. Note that there are two shows on March 7, 11am and 7pm.

Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 (17 Jan 2025)

We saw Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in Jan 2025 and wrote, “Roman Rabinovich is an Israeli pianist who has performed extensively through Europe and the United States, as well as being a composer of his own. He came to the stage for Francis Poulenc’s Le Bal Masque (The Masked Ball), composed in 1932 and which featured about ten performers. This is a fun and almost silly sound at times, although it’s clear that the underlying music is challenging, demonstrating the real skills of the Chamber Orchestra. Trumpet was featured at several key moments, while baritone singer John Moore had the task of singing quite surrealist lyrics in several of the six movements. I don’t think you often use the word slapstick when describing classical music, but this got close (in a good way).”

DETAILS

Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie
Friday, March 7, 11:00am

Friday, March 7, 7:00pm

Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, Saint Paul
Saturday, March 8, 7:00pm

TICKETS

$16–$36 — Adults
$10 — Club2030
Free — Children (17 and under), Students (of all ages), Concert Members

Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office by calling 651.291.1144 Monday–Friday 12–5pm and Saturday 11am–3pm or thespco.org.

Wilder Woods at Uptown Theater (07 Mar 2025) Read More Wilder Woods Frontman of Needtobreathe, Wilder Woods (aka Bear Rinehart) will be stopping by the Fine Line Music Café this Tuesday, September 24th, in support of his self-title debut album. …

07 Mar 2025 Friday

Wilder Woods
with HAFFWAY
at Uptown Theater
uptowntheatermn.com

Wilder Woods is headlining the Uptown Theater this March 7, 2025.

Wilder Woods at Varsity Theater (29 April 2023)

We saw Wilder Woods in April 2023 and wrote, “Wilder Woods took the stage with a rip-roaring, foot-stomping, hand-clapping set that was one part neo-soul, one part gospel revival with a lot of Southern rock. Rinehart kicked off the evening with “Light Shine In” and kept the evening going in with an endless amount of energy, only dialing it back with songs like “Patience”, “Heavenly Light” and his personal favorite from his new album, “Make Your Own Mistakes”, a love letter to his sons. Rinehart said Minneapolis has a special place in his heart for he played the Varsity fourteen years before and it was after that concert that he met Minneapolis native, Tyler Burkum, who would go on to become his lead guitarist and wingman. He said it took a couple of years of courting to woo Burkum. He said he wished he would have had a better pickup line at the start.”

HAFFWAY to open.

Tour Dates:

03/01 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre

03/06 - Madison, WI @ The Sylvee

03/07 - Minneapolis, MN @ Uptown Theater

03/08 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

03/09 - Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone

03/11 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

03/13 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

03/14 - Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl

03/15 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

03/16 - Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall

03/18 - Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Lounge

03/20 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues

03/21 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s

03/22 - Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre

03/27 - Raleigh, NC @ the Ritz

03/28 - Birmingham, AL @ Iron City

03/29 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

Korpiklaani and Ensiferum at Skyway Theatre (07 Mar 2025) Read More Korpiklaani The main headliner is Korpiklaani, a six-piece folk metal band from Finland, formerly known as Shaman. Tour dates: 05/01/14 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House …

07 Mar 2025 Thursday

Korpiklaani and Ensiferum
with Trollfest and NiNi
at Skyway Theatre
skywaytheatre.com

The Finnish Folkfest of the North tour is stopping by the Lyric (inside the Skyway Theatre), featuring Korpiklaani and Ensiferum.

Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band formed in 1995 in Helsinki, known for their fusion of melodic death metal and folk music. Their name translates to “sword bearer” in Latin, reflecting their themes of mythology and nature.

Korpiklaani is a Finnish folk metal band formed in 2003, known for their lively blend of heavy metal and traditional Finnish folk music. The band’s name translates to “Clan of the Wilderness,” reflecting their themes of nature, folklore, and celebration.

Support will be from Trollfest and NiNi.

Tour dates:

27.02.2025 Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall

28.02.2025 Quebec City, QC, Salle Montaigne Canada

01.03.2025 Montreal, QC, Beanfield Canada

02.03.2025 Ottawa, ON, Overflow Canada

03.03.2025 Toronto, ON, The Concert Hall Canada

04.03.2025 Columbus, OH, King of Clubs

05.03.2025 Pontiac, MI, Crofoot

06.03.2025 Chicago, IL, Outset

07.03.2025 Minneapolis, MN, Skyway Theatre

08.03.2025 Des Moines, IA, Wooly’s

09.03.2025 Denver, CO, Gothic Theatre

11.03.2025 Salt Lake City, UT, Metro Music Hall

13.03.2025 Sacramento, CA, Goldfield Roseville

14.03.2025 San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall

15.03.2025 Los Angeles, CA, Regent Theater

16.03.2025 San Diego, CA, House of Blues

17.03.2025 Phoenix, AZ, Nile

18.03.2025 Albuquerque, NM, Sunshine

20.03.2025 Oklahoma City, OK, Beer City Music Hall

21.03.2025 Dallas, TX, Granada

22.03.2025 Austin, TX, Come and Take It Live

23.03.2025 Houston, TX, Warehouse Live

25.03.2025 Tampa, FL, Orpheum

26.03.2025 Atlanta, GA, Masquerade Heaven

27.03.2025 Greensboro, NC, Hangar 1819

28.03.2025 Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Soundstage

29.03.2025 Mechanicsburg, PA, Lovedraft’s

30.03.2025 Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Monarch

24.-26.4.2025 Lichtenfels, Ragnarök Festival

13.-14.6.2025 Vaasa, Lisää Löylyä Festival

26.-28.6.2025 Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Hörnerfest

27.-29.6.2025 Helsinki, Tuska Festival Finland

4.-7.7.2025 Knislinge, Time To Rock Festival Sweden

10.-12.7.2025 Leoben, Area 53 Festival Austria

10.-13.7.2025 Vizovice, Masters of Rock Czech Republic

13.09.2025 Gelsenkirchen, Folkfield Festival Germany

Gaelic Storm at Pantages Theatre (07 Mar 2025) Read More Gaelic Storm Kansas City Irish Fest offers attendees the chance to see some of the top Irish-themed entertainment which includes 150 performers over 7 stages- Gaelic Storm, Red Hot Chili Pipers … Reverend Peyton Bluegrassy The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is headlining the Turf Club on Wednesday. They aren’t really a big band... kind of like there are no women in Bare Naked Ladies. Dumpy Jug Bumpers …

07 Mar 2025 Thursday

Gaelic Storm
with Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
at Pantages Theatre
hennepinarts.org

Celtic band Gaelic Storm returns to the Pantages Theatre, in Minneapolis, on March 7th, 2025. The show is presented by Sue McLean & Associates (SMA).

Gaelic Storm at Irish Fair (12-13 August 2016)

We saw Gaelic Storm in August 2016 and wrote, “Celtic rock band Gaelic Storm lived up to their name, as they played through the storm… then came back for more— The occasion was the annual Irish Fair of Minnesota, held on Harriet Island, just south of downtown St. Paul, and where the band has played before to become a crowd-pleasing favorite. On the first of two nights, a summer rainstorm whipped about challenging the fairgoers, but Saturday night’s weather turned near perfect and the band and crowd were in a celebrating mood.”

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band open.

Note: Twin Cities Metro Pipe Band also said that they will play at this show.

Tour dates:

Mar 2 Northwood, IA · Diamond Jo Casino

Mar 7 Minneapolis, MN · Pantages Theatre

Mar 13 Menomonie, WI · Historic Mabel Tainter Center

Feb 28 DeKalb, IL · Egyptian Theatre

Mar 1 Dubuque, IA · Diamond Jo Casino

Mar 3 Des Moines, IA · Hoyt Sherman Place

Mar 5 Iowa City, IA · The Englert Theatre

Mar 6 Omaha, NE · Steelhouse Omaha

Mar 8 Madison, WI · Barrymore Theatre

Mar 9 Wausau, WI · The Grand Theater

Mar 11 Green Bay, WI · Meyer Theatre

Mar 12 Milwaukee, WI · The Pabst Theater

Mar 14 Chicago, IL · House of Blues

Mar 15 Chicago, IL · House of Blues

Mar 16 Akron, OH · Goodyear Theater

Mar 23 Wilmington, DE · Grand Opera House

Mar25 Harrisburg, PA · XL Live

Mar 26 Northampton, MA · Academy of Music

Mar 27 Boston, MA · The Wilbur

Mar 28 Troy, NY · Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Brant Bjork Trio at Turf Club (08 Mar 2025) Read More Brant Bjork Garcia also formed the pseudo reunion act Kyuss Lives! alongside original drummer Brant Bjork, but the name drew a lawsuit from Homme, leading to lingering tensions between the group’s original core members ... Magic Castles Opening up the MN show will be locals Magic Castles, who we caught in 2013 and loved them: “I actually thought Magic Castles was very good. It's certainly the only band the … Van Glow Light Show The group played tracks from their albums, Artefakt III and Second Ascension, while psychedelic visuals were projected over the band, from the back of the stage by Van Glow Light Show …

08 Mar 2025 Saturday

The Brant Bjork Trio
with Magic Castles and Van Glow Light Show
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

The Brant Bjork Trio is headlining the Turf Club on March 8th, 2025, in support of Once Upon a Time in the Desert (via Duna Records). The trio features influential desert rock pioneer Mario Lalli (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson, Desert Sessions) on bass guitar, Brant Bjork on guitars, and Ryan Güt on drums.

Magic Castles at 7th Street Entry (18 June 2022)

Magic Castles and Van Glow Light Show to open. We saw Magic Castles in June 2022, and wrote, “Minneapolis’ Magic Castles was next. From the banter on stage, it seems like the band joined The Warlocks’ tour for a few dates and finally ended their tour with their homecoming show at the 7th Street Entry. As you know, we’ve previously mentioned that the local psychedelic band (singer/guitarist Jason Edmonds, singer/guitarist Jeremiah Doering, bassist Paul Fuglestad, drummer Brendan McInerney) used to have a dedicated flutist in the band when we first saw them in May 2016.”

Tour Dates:

Jan 24 Wolverton, UK Craufurd Arms

Jan 26 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK The Cluny

Jan 27 Glasgow, UK Audio, Glasgow

Jan 31 Swansea, UK Sin City

Feb 2 Bristol, UK Strange Brew

Feb 3 Leeds, UK Brudenell Social Club

Feb 4 Norwich, UK Waterfront Studio

Feb 4 Norwich, UK UEA The Waterfront

Feb 5 Tunbridge Wells, UK The Forum

Feb 6 Southampton, UK The 1865

Feb 7 Brighton, UK The Arch

Feb 8 London, UK Oslo

Mar 7 Kansas City, MO, US recordBar

Mar 8 St. Paul, MN, US Turf Club

Mar 10 Grand Rapids, MI, US Pyramid Scheme

Mar 11 Columbus, OH, US The King of Clubs

Mar 13 Baltimore, MD, US Metro Baltimore

Mar 15 Ridgewood, NY, US TV Eye

Mar 16 Providence, RI, US Alchemy

Mar 20 Newport, KY, US Sanctuary, Southgate House Revival

Mar 21 Louisville, KY, US Portal

Mar 22 Chicago, IL, US Reggie's Rock Club

Jun 26 Breda, Netherlands Mezz

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

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (03/02/2025)

What’s happening this week.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Pert Near Sandstone at Turf Club (28 Feb- 01 Mar 2025) Read More Pert Near Sandstone Local group Pert Near Sandstone is bringing their “Winter String Band Gathering” shows on February 23 and 24, 2024, at the Turf Club, in St Paul. …

28 Feb 2025 Friday
01 Mar 2025 Saturday

Pert Near Sandstone
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

Local ‘grass band Pert Near Sandstone will be having their annual “Winter String Band Gathering” show at the Turf Club, in St Paul, on Feb 28, 2025.

Pert Near Sandstone (02 Dec 2023)

We saw Pert Near Sandstone in December 2023 and wrote, “The members of Pert Near Sandstone are also from the Twin Cities suburbs, Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove. They first got into music by playing in heavy metal and ska bands. But as their music lessons progressed they too were caught by infectious music of bluegrass. And for almost twenty years they have been playing music that is impossible not to dance to, mainly because their percussionist, Andy Lambert, wears a pair of clogs. He was joined on stage with Nate Sipe on fiddle and mandolin, Kevin Knibel on banjo, J Lenz on guitar, Chris Forsberg on fiddle and Justin Bruhn on bass.”

Dig Deep and Katey Bellville to open on Friday.

Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Feeding Leroy to open on Saturday.

Pert Near Sandstone writes:

Hey y’all! We are excited to announce our annual Winter String Band Gathering! The Turf Club in St Paul will be hosting us again this year for two nights with amazing guest artists to join, including the Clown Lounge stage and official after parties at The Midway Saloon!

Looking forward to welcoming Dig Deep and Katey Bellville on Friday; Saturday we welcome Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Feeding Leroy!

The after party sets at the Midway Saloon by Barefoot Bluegrass on Fri and Potluck String Band on Sat!

It’s going be a big time all weekend long! Make sure to get your tickets ahead of the event.

*Ticket Link below

Artwork by Mike Carina.

Musician Appreciation Concert (01 Mar 2025) Read More SPCO St. Paul Chamber Orchestra kicked off a three-day run of performances featuring guest performer, pianist Roman Rabinovich. As usual for the SPCO, the performance was at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul ...

01 Mar 2025 Saturday

Musician Appreciation Concert
at The Ordway
thespco.org

Orchestra fans, join us for the seventh annual Musician Appreciation Concert, taking place on March 1, 2025. This one-night-only program celebrates the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO), and all proceeds will go to members of the orchestra members.

Program:

Gioachino Rossini: Overture to L'Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers)

Franz Schubert: Andante from Symphony No. 2

Henryk Wieniawski: Scherzo-tarantelle

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 34

Zoltán Kodály: Hungarian Rondo

Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 (17 Jan 2025)

We saw Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in Jan 2025 and wrote, “Roman Rabinovich is an Israeli pianist who has performed extensively through Europe and the United States, as well as being a composer of his own. He came to the stage for Francis Poulenc’s Le Bal Masque (The Masked Ball), composed in 1932 and which featured about ten performers. This is a fun and almost silly sound at times, although it’s clear that the underlying music is challenging, demonstrating the real skills of the Chamber Orchestra. Trumpet was featured at several key moments, while baritone singer John Moore had the task of singing quite surrealist lyrics in several of the six movements. I don’t think you often use the word slapstick when describing classical music, but this got close (in a good way).”

TICKETS AND EVENT PACKAGES

$1,000 — Premium

$27–$500 — Adults

$15 — Club2030

Free — Children (17 and under), Students (of all ages), Concert Members

Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office by calling 651.291.1144 Monday–Friday 12–5pm and Saturday 11am–3pm or thespco.org.

Nona Invie at Berlin (28 Feb 2025 and 06 Mar 2025) Read More Nona Invie Nona Invie, the singer from Dark Dark Dark, opened the show. The last proper Dark Dark Dark show we saw was a long time ago, in October 2012. We described their music as, “Ghosts, graveyards, bones, dreams, winter, drowning ....

28 Feb 2025 Friday
06 Mar 2025 Thursday

Nona Invie
with DJ Sarah Sequoia
at Berlin
berlinmpls.com

Minneapolis singer/composer Nona Invie (formerly Nona Marie from Dark Dark Dark) is excited to announced her new LP Self-Soothing. There will be two album release shows at Berlin, for the new record (which drops February 28, 2025).

The first show will take place on February 28 and will feature A Mini Choir, featuring choir vocals from Channy Leaneagh (Poliça), Aby Wolf (Champagne Confetti), and Nadia Hulett (NADINE). It will be followed by a Late Night Lounge set by DJ Enyahouse (although the poster lists DJ Sarah Sequoia).

For the second night, to take place March 6, it will be dubbed Piano, Sax, and Bass Trio (featuring saxophonist Mary Hanson Scott and multi-instrumentalist Mariel Oliveira from IE), with opener Mary Hanson Scott.

Anonymous Choir at Walker Art Center (21 Sep 2013)

The choir thing is interesting, but this isn’t the first time that Nona Invie is involve in a choir band… We saw her in Anonymous Choir in Sep 2013 and said, “As for the music portion, this was presented in the McGuire Theater. The "band" was the Anonymous Choir, a large cast of women backup singer lead by Nona Marie (Dark Dark Dark). The music portion was provided by the Ventures Cover Band, plus two additional horn players who came on later in their set. All the songs were covers of old soul songs, everything from sad tones of Wendy René's "After Laughter (Comes Tears)" to fun songs like The Fascinations' "Girls Are Out To Get You". I preferred the upbeat songs, with my favorite of the night being a great rendition of Ruby Johnson's "Weak Spot". It's clear to me that Anonymous Choir are fans of that music genre as some of the covers aren't the typical popular soul songs. Their next show will be with Dosh at the Cedar Cultural Center on December 20th. I believe they will be playing Neil Young songs, based on their new record Neil Young's After the Gold Rush.”

Tour Dates:

February 28, 2025 RECORD RELEASE SHOW #1 - BERLIN

March 6, 2025 RECORD RELEASE SHOW #2 - Berlin

March 11, 2025 NANTES - Stereolux

March 12, 2025 Angoulême - House show with My Name Is Nobody

March 13, 2025 Toulouse - NUANCE RECORDS

March 14, 2025 Bordeaux - DOJO ARCADIA

March 15, 2025 Ségur-le-Château - La Ruelle

March 16, 2025 Vendôme - CHAPPELLE SAINT JACQUES

March 18, 2025 Le Pellerin - House Show with My Name Is Nobody

March 19, 2025 Rennes - L'Amaryllis Bar

March 20, 2025 NANTES - La Caboulot

March 21, 2025 Indre - Le Cafe du Port

March 22, 2025 Trignac - Festival Folk en Scènes

March 27, 2025 Chicago, IL Color Club

March 28, 2025 Pittsburgh, PA New york, NY

March 30, 2025 New york, NY - Francis Kite Club

March 31, 2025 Providence, RI

April 1, 2025 holyoke, MA

April 2, 2025 Kingston, ny

April 3, 2025 montreal

April 4, 2025 toronto

April 5, 2025 detroit

April 6, 2025 Cactus Club - Milwaukee

Drew & Ellie Holcomb at Fitzgerald Theater (02 Mar 2025) Read More Drew Holcomb Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is a Nashville band, whose members usually include Holcomb’s wife, Ellie, though she was understandably absent as the couple just had their newborn …

02 Mar 2025 Sunday

Drew & Ellie Holcomb
at The Fitzgerald Theater
first-avenue.com

Drew & Ellie Holcomb are on tour in support of their new studio album Memory Bank.

Their tour will stop by the Fitzgerald Theater, in St Paul, on March 2, 2025.

Drew Holcomb at First Avenue (21 Sep 2023)

We saw Drew Holcomb in Sep 2023, and wrote, “Drew Holcomb (billed as Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors) came out excited and stating how amazing it was to be at First Avenue’s main room. The singer said that it was their goal to play this room and so it was such an honor that so many diehard fans have come out to support the group. The group prides themselves as knowing everybody in the audience (and I believe them!). First Avenue was, by far, the largest venue as headliner, having played the tiny 7th Street Entry in March 2012 and at the now-defunct Triple Rock Social Club in September 2013. Every time they come back, they got a larger crowd and larger stage.”

Tour Dates:

Feb 23 at Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC

Feb 25 at Kent State Univ. in New Philadelphia, OH

Feb 26 at Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, OH

Feb 28 at Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac, MI

Mar 1 at Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, IN

Mar 2 at The Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, MN

Mar 4 at Barrymore Theatre in Madison, WI

Mar 6 at The Englert Theatre in Iowa City, IA

Mar 7 at Stiefel Theatre in Salina, KS

Mar 8 at The Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, MO

Mar 9 at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL

Mar 27 at The Heights Theater in Houston, TX

Mar 28 at Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX

Mar 29 at Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX

Apr 2 at Uptown Theatre in Napa, CA

Apr 3 at The Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, CA

Apr 4 at House of Blues Anaheim in Anaheim, CA

Apr 6 at Humphrey's in San Diego, CA

May 3 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN

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

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20

Roman Rabinovich (Vuart) Program Order Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Horn Quintet (16 min) Matthew Wilson (horn) Eunice Kim (violin) Maiya Papach (viola) Hyobi Sim (viola) Richard Belcher (cello) Igor Stravinsky: Concerto in D, Basel (12 min) Francis Poulenc: Le bal masqué (The Masked Ball) (18 min) Roman Rabinovich (piano) John Moore (baritone) -- INTERMISSION -- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 (30 min) Roman Rabinovich (piano) Read More SPCO After a long hiatus, the The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (often abbreviated to SPCO) is pleased to announced the return to live performances on September 10 and 11. Like with all the live venues around town ...

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra kicked off a three-day run of performances featuring guest performer, pianist Roman Rabinovich. As usual for the SPCO, the performance was at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul. For those who haven’t been, the setup of the Ordway is efficient. It has a main vertical layout, with two levels of balcony at the far end. The first level of balcony actually wraps all the way around, including three rows of seats behind the performers (which for this performance was mostly populated by a school class). It was an almost completely sold out show at 11AM on a Friday, showing the strong audience support for the Chamber Orchestra.

Before getting to the star guest performer, there were two opening numbers with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. First up was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Horn Qunitet, composed in 1782. This piece obviously features the horn, but also includes two violas, a violin and a cello to round out the performers. Matthew Wilson was excellent on horn, and the rest of the performers were solid, especially Eunice Kim on violin. The first movement was very light and airy and flew along. The second contrasted with a much more pastoral sound before ultimately returning to the opening themes.

The second number was Igor Stravinksy’s Concerto in D, Basel, featuring a much larger number of performers of the Chamber Orchestra. Notably, this was composed in 1946 and was Stravinsky’s first as a naturalized American citizen. The first movement could easily be the score for a tense, Hitchcockian thriller. Some discordant moments in the second movement, and the plucked notes to end it, only further that impression and in many ways, was a highlight of the show.

Roman Rabinovich is an Israeli pianist who has performed extensively through Europe and the United States, as well as being a composer of his own. He came to the stage for Francis Poulenc’s Le Bal Masque (The Masked Ball), composed in 1932 and which featured about ten performers. This is a fun and almost silly sound at times, although it’s clear that the underlying music is challenging, demonstrating the real skills of the Chamber Orchestra. Trumpet was featured at several key moments, while baritone singer John Moore had the task of singing quite surrealist lyrics in several of the six movements. I don’t think you often use the word slapstick when describing classical music, but this got close (in a good way).

After intermission, Rabinovich and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra returned to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, composed in 1785. While Rabinovich was largely playing a supporting role in Le Bal Masque, he was definitely the star feature in this Mozart piece, backed by what appeared to be the entirety of the Chamber Orchestra. And given it is Mozart, there’s a lot of notes to play. Rabinovich made it largely look effortless, with multiple runs up and down the piano in the early going and an extended piano solo section in the middle of the piece. The Chamber Orchestra supported him well and that interplay was fun to watch. Rabinovich is also a performer at the piano, with slightly exaggerated arm movements, fully turning his body towards the Chamber Orchestra when he had periods of not playing, etc. It was a good give and take that helped elevate the performance. An appreciative audience took to their feet to thank the performers, who will be back for the next two days with this enjoyable set of music.

Rabinovich Plays Mozart at Ordway Concert Hall (17 Jan 2025)

thaddeus ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Something for the Weekend: Roman Rabinovich and Jamie xx

What’s happening this weekend.

Read more Something for the Weekend, Minneapolis Music Guide.

17 -19 Jan 2025 Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 at Ordway Concert Hall Read More SPCO After a long hiatus, the The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (often abbreviated to SPCO) is pleased to announced the return to live performances on September 10 and 11. Like with all the live venues around town ...

17 Jan 2025 Friday (11am)
18 Jan 2025 Saturday (7pm)
19 Jan 2025 Sunday(2pm)

Roman Rabinovich
Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20
at Ordway Concert Hall
thespco.org

Pianist Roman Rabinovich is making hisSaint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) debut this weekend with Roman Rabinovich Plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20.

Program guide:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Horn Quintet

Igor Stravinsky: Concerto in D, Basel

Francis Poulenc: Le bal masqué (The Masked Ball)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20

Led by SPCO Musicians

Roman Rabinovich, piano

John Moore, baritone

Matthew Wilson, horn

Schedule:

Friday, January 17, 11:00am — LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Saturday, January 18, 7:00pm — SOLD OUT, WAIT LIST AVAILABLE

Sunday, January 19, 2:00pm

Tickets:

$16–$68 — Adults

$10 — Club2030

Free — Children (17 and under), Students (of all ages), Concert Members

Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office by calling 651.291.1144 Monday–Friday 12–5pm and Saturday 11am–3pm or thespco.org.

15 Jan 2025 18 Jan 2025 Jamie xx with Numero Group DJs at Armory Read More The xx Undoubtedly one of the hottest bands is London's The xx. With their sophomore album, Coexist, just released last month, the band proved that they're not some sort of one-hit/one-trick pony. …

18 Jan 2025 Saturday

Jamie xx
with Numero Group DJs
at Armory
first-avenue.com

Jamie xx, the English musician, DJ, record producer, and remixer, from The xx, is headlining the Armory, in Minneapolis, this Saturday, January 18.

As a solo artist, he’s been recognized with a Mercury Prize nomination, and a Grammy nomination. His second album In Waves via Young.

The xx at First Avenue (10/19/12)

We saw the xx in Oct 2012 and wrote, “The xx show was a little somber, with flashing lights at the appropriate beats. I was expecting more dancing from the audience, but for the most part, they kept very still. Which is cool, as someone pointed out that it was nice to see people actually listening and watching the show on stage. I was expecting xx to do more songs from their latest album, Coexist, but if you look over their setlist, less than half (38%) were from the new album. The rest were made up from their debut album.”

Numero Group DJs to open.

Tour dates:

January 14 Toronto, ON, Canada HISTORY

January 15 Toronto, ON, Canada HISTORY

January 17 Chicago, IL, USA Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

January 18 Minneapolis, MN, USA Armory

January 20 Vancouver, BC, Canada PNE Forum

January 21 Seattle, WA, USA WAMU Theater

January 23 Los Angeles, CA, USA Shrine Expo Hall

January 25 San Francisco, CA, USA Cow Palace

January 27 Austin, TX, USA Concourse Project

January 28 Dallas, TX, USA Factory

January 30 Washington, DC, USA The Anthem

January 31 Boston, MA, USA Roadrunner

February 01 Philadelphia, PA, USA Franklin Music Hall

March 09 Brussels, Belgium ING Arena

March 11 Amsterdam, Netherlands AFAS Live

March 12 Hamburg, Germany Sporthalle

March 13 Copenhagen, Denmark K.B. Hallen

March 14 Berlin, Germany Uber Eats Music Hall

March 15 Poznan, Poland MTP 3A

March 17 Prague, Czechoslovakia Forum Karlin

March 18 Offenbach, Germany Stadthalle

March 19 Milan, Italy Big Theatre - MIND

March 21 Paris, France Adidas Arena

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

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Twin Cities: SPCO, ApplaudUs, Lee DeWyze

Read More SPCO Chamber Music Series: Introducing Lembit Beecher is described as “Lembit Beecher, the SPCO’s Music Alive composer-in-residence, curates and hosts this program which features his most recent string quartet …

THE SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
thespco.org

After a long hiatus, the The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (often abbreviated to SPCO) is pleased to announced the return to live performances on September 10 and 11. Like with all the live venues around town, you are required to be vaccinated, or show proof of negative test results. Masks will also be required at the Ordway Center.

Here are the details:

After an almost unbearably long hiatus, the is thrilled to welcome audiences back to live performances with this season-opening program. Two works commissioned by the SPCO and premiered virtually during the pandemic will be heard for the first time by a live audience. Valerie Coleman’s wind quintet, Umoja, which means unity in Swahili, is a fitting celebration of our ability to gather once again for the communal experience of hearing live music. We offer a moment of reflection through Johann Sebastian Bach’s Air on the G String — the first piece SPCO musicians performed following the attacks of September 11 twenty years ago — before concluding the night with the titular Serenade for Strings.

Opening Weekend: Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings
Gioachino Rossini: Overture to II Signor Bruschino
Tyson Davis: Tableau No. X (SPCO commission)
Viet Cuong: Circling Back (SPCO commission)
Valerie Coleman: Umoja, The First Day of Kwanzaa
Osvaldo Golijov: Last Round for String Ensemble
Johann Sebastian Bach: Air on the G String from Suite No. 3
Pyotr Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings
Led by SPCO Musicians
Cassie Pilgrim, oboe
Lynn Erickson, trumpet
Sarah Lewis, cello

Dates and locations:
Friday, September 10, 8:00pm
Saturday, September 11, 8:00pm
Ordway Concert Hall, Saint Paul
Tickets: $12–$50 for adults; FREE for kids and students
Call 651.291.1144 or visit thespco.org

Read More Stageit I'm testing out video quality on Stageit, so I went to the next available show, which was for Austitron's "Austoberfest Part 4" show. …

APPLAUDUS
applaudus.com

Minneapolis’ ApplaudUs is launching globally on September 12, 2021. This company self-described itself as “a live video and audio streaming platform and music marketplace that connects musicians and music lovers.” Reading more into it, it sounds like it could be like StageIt … where fans can tip or pay for content from their favorite musicians. It could go even further, like some sort of fanclub where musicians can interact with their fans… I could be wrong in misreading it, I suggest find out more about them on their website.

They are currently looking for musicians to sign up.

If you’re in the Minnesota area, you can stop by their official launch party at Route 47 Pub & Grub in Fridley on September 12th from Noon to 10pm.

Here is an excerpt from their press release:

Announcing ApplaudUs, Launching globally September 12th 2021. ApplaudUs; A live video and audio streaming platform and music marketplace that connects musicians and music lovers. ApplaudUs; A new era in live music, offering a sustainable business model for Performing artists. ApplaudUs allows Artists to monetize their Art in a fair system that returns more to the artist while making that music easier to find for Fans.

…

Ticket buyers receive a virtual front row seat to live concerts from anywhere. During ApplaudUs live streams fans react to shows, tip artists, and purchase recordings. Artists receive real time feedback during their performances creating a truly immersive experience for the artist and Fans. Founder/CEO Paul Campbell says “This collected data feeds into the ApplaudUs Chart using our patent pending technology that sorts data in a way that truly places the music choices of the people at the top of the charts”. The music charts can filter down so that fans can even find, for example, the top pop song in their local regions as well as globally. Artists see their growth and audiences can discover emerging talents. “Trying to find new music by genre that is reliably of high quality on other platforms is like trying to find a needle in a haystack”, states Campbell”. Not so on ApplaudUs because the chart is always automatically updating giving fans the best of new music based upon the data that is dynamically updating 24/7.

Read More Lee DeWyze While fellow American Idol winner Phillip Phillips was just down the street opening for John Mayer, Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze entertained with a 40 min. …

LEE DEWYZE
leedewyzeofficial.com

I just wanted to quickly mentioned this upcoming show, which is taking place this week. We’ve already wrapped up our August concert previews (currently working all upcoming September shows – so send in your requests), and this show was missed.

So coming to 7th Street Entry is Lee DeWyze and D'Arcy on August 24, 2021.

We previously seen American Idol winner Lee DeWyze in Nov 2013 and wrote, “New songs like ‘Silver Lining’ and ‘Fight’ were well received, and the audience was mostly receptive to his humble and honest songwriting.”

Opening the show will be New York alternative act D’Arcy, touring in support of Hard to Kill EP.

2021 Tour Dates

8.24 - Minneapolis, MN
8.25 - Milwaukee, WI
8.26 - Madison, WI
8.27 - Ann Arbor, MI
8.28 - Lake Orion, MI
8.29 Spring Lake, MI
8.31 - Cleveland, OH
9.1 - Columbus, OH
9.2 - Akron, OH
9.3 Syracuse, NY
9.4 - Worcester, MA
9.5 - Pawling, NY
9.7 Buffalo, NY
9.8 Cambridge, MA
9.9 - Egremont, MA
9.10 Fairfield, CT
9.11 - Amagansett, NY
9.12 - New York, NY
9.14 - Sellersville, PA
9.16 - Vienna, VA
9.17 - Asheville, NC
9.18 - Atlanta, GA
9.19 - St Louis, MO
9.22 - Austin, TX
9.23 Woodlands, TX
9.24 - Denton, TX
9.25 - Dallas, TX
9.27 - Phoenix, AZ

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

Rocktober: October 19 to October 20, 2017

Read More Trombone Shorty Mardi Gras will continue at the Minnesota Zoo later this week as Trombone Shorty comes to town for an undoubtedly spirited show. Releasing his Grammy-nominated debut album, Backatown… Vintage Trouble One of the most exciting live bands of recent note, Los Angeles’ Vintage Trouble hits the road again, this time in promotion of their latest, 1 Hopeful Road (Blue Note Records). …

Rocktober: Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from October 19 to October 20, 2017.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
+ Vintage Trouble
Pantages Theatre
Fri 10/20/2017 (7:30pm/$37)
palacestpaul.com

Trombone Shorty is led by singer, songwriter and horn-blower born Troy Andrews. His new album is called Parking Lot Symphony and is available on Blue Note Records.

Show up early to see our favorite Vintage Trouble. We first saw the explosive band at the now-defunct Nether Bar in 2013 and wrote, “Beginning with the One/Two punch of 'Hard Times (They are Coming)' and 'Blues Hand Me Down', the crowd was immediately in a frenzy; asked all evening to call-and-respond, clap along, move front to back, and generally become a part of the show. Vocalist/frontman Ty Taylor has come a long way from his Rockstar:INXS days, morphing into a mesmerizing and charismatic showman that spins, juts, and shakes in a way that would make James Brown proud. Drummer Richard Danielson and bassist Rick Barrio Dill more than ably held down the bottom end, while band 'secret weapon', guitarist Nalle Colt (looking like a dapper Viggo Mortenson) impressed with roaring riffs and stretched out solos.”

Tour dates:

10/14 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY
10/20 – Palace Theater – St. Paul, MN
10/21 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
10/23 – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, Canada
10/24 – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, Canada
10/26 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI
10/27 – Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN

Read More LÉON Fresh from an appearance a few days before on The Late Late Show with James Cordon, Swedish singer LÉON found herself along the banks of Lake Minnetonka, for a promotional ... Wrabel Also on the bill: We The Kings, Wrabel, Cobi and Hailey Knox. Gavin DeGraw’s tour dates: 11/17 Minneapolis, MN Cities 97 Sampler 12/03 Nashville, TN Nashville Christmas Parade 12/08 Denver, CO Alice in Winterland ...

LÉON
+ Wrabel
Fine Line Music Cafe
Fri 10/20/2017 (8pm/$17.50)
finelinemusic.com

LÉON (aka Lotta Lindgren) is back with her sophomore EP Surround Me. She returns to North America on her second headlining tour this October.

We previously caught the Swedish singer/songwriter at her first “proper” concert (we also previously saw her at a brief five-song promo event) in Minneapolis at her sold-out show at 7th Street Entry in, February 2017, and wrote, “With still only the four-song Treasure EP (Columbia Records/Sony) released, fans remain patient waiting on the full-length, but were treated to a headlining set just short of fifty-minutes, which should give good indication on how the album will sound. Music is in the blood for the woman born Lotta Lindgren (the daughter of a composer and a cello player) and backed by three musicians, her stage presence seems natural and relaxed.”

Wrabel to open.

Tour dates:

10/14/2017 Seattle, WA Crocodile
10/16/2017 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
10/17/2017 Denver, CO Globe Hall
10/19/2017 Kansas City, MO The Record Bar
10/20/2017 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Café
10/21/2017 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
10/23/2017 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground
10/25/2017 Boston, MA Paradise
10/27/2017 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
10/28/2017 Philadelphia, PA The Foundry
10/29/2017 Washington, DC U Street Music Hall

Read More Gavin DeGraw Multi-platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw (best known for his album and title track "Chariot" and the theme song to One Tree Hill) released his new single "Best I Ever Had" … SPCO The Nufonia Must Fall show is part of the Walker Art Center and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music series (now in the middle of its fourth season) …

Other shows in the area:

GAVIN DEGRAW
First Avenue
Thu 10/19/2017 (7pm/$40.50)
first-avenue.com

Gavin’s new album Something Worth Saving is out now on RCA Records.

MILKY CHANCE
Skyway Theatre
Thu 10/19/2017 (8pm/$31.50)
skywaytheatre.com

German duo Milky Chance’s new video and single is called ‘Blossom’, from Republic Records.

Tour dates:

10/17 - Egyptian Room - Indianapolis, IN
10/18 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
10/19 - Skyway Theater - Minneapolis, MN
10/21 - The Wilma - Missoula, MT
10/22 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
10/23 - Showbox Sodo - Seattle, WA
10/24 - The Commodore - Vancouver, BC

THIS IS KIT
+ Rogue Valley
Turf Club
Thu 10/19/2017 (7pm/$15)
turfclub.net

This Is The Kit and Rogue Valley to play the Turf Club on Thursday.

PINEGROVE
+ Florist, Lomelda
7th Street Entry
Thu 10/19/2017 (7pm/$16/Sold Out)
first-avenue.com

Pinegrove is touring with Florist and Lomelda (aka Hannah Read). The show is sold out.

Tour dates:

10/14 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
10/16 - Iowa City, IA @ Gabe's *
10/17 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Total Drag Records
10/18 - Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
10/19 - Minneapolis, MN@ 7th St Entry
10/20 - Milwaukee, WI@ The Back Room

ALT-J
+ Bishop Briggs
The Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Fri 10/20/2017 (7pm/$39.50)
theroy.org

Alt-J is back in town.

Tour dates:

10/13/17 - Doug Mitchell Thunderbird - Vancouver, BC
10/15/17 - Winspear Centre - Edmonton, AB
10/16/17 - Winspear Centre - Edmonton, AB
10/17/17 - Big Four Building - Calgary, AB
10/18/17 - The Wilma - Missoula, MT
10/20/17 - Roy Wilkins Auditorium - St. Paul, MN
10/21/17 - Murat at the Old National Centre - Indianapolis, IN
10/23/17 - Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI
10/25/17 - Express Live! - Columbus, OH
10/27/17 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ONT
10/28/17 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ONT
10/29/17 - Place Bell - Montreal, QC

TY DOLLA $IGN / TINASHE
+ Coin
Univ. Of Minnesota
Fri 10/20/2017 (7pm/$25)
homecoming.umn.edu

Ty Dolla $sign and Tinashe to headline Homecoming at University of Minnesota. Nashville pop/rock band COIN will open. COIN’s sophomore album How Will You Know If You Never Try is out now.

DEER TICK
+ Chris Crofton
The Cedar Cultural Center
Fri 10/20/2017 (7pm/$22.50/Sold Out)
thecedar.org

Deer Tick is on their Twice Is Nice Tour. The show will start with a a stripped-down, acoustic performance, then a break, and then a full-on electric set. Opener will feature comedian Chris Crofton.

Deer Tick 2017 Fall Tour

10/17 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
10/19 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
10/20 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center
10/21 – Chicago, IL – Metro
10/22 – Bloomington, IN – The Bluebird
10/24 – Maquoketa, IA – Codfish Hollow Barn
10/25 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
10/27 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
10/28 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
10/31 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge

LA FEMME
+ Jacques
Turf Club
Fri 10/20/2017 (8pm/$16)
turfclub.net

La Femme really impressed us with their recent appearance at Desert Daze. Be sure to check them out at the Turf Club this Friday.

RON POPE
+ Ages And Ages, The Heart Of
First Avenue
Fri 10/20/2017 (7pm/$20)
first-avenue.com

Ron Pope's new album Work is out now on Brooklyn Basement Records. Rolling Stone Country called him one of the “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” while Uncut called Pope “Atlanta’s answer to The Boss” going on to say that “Work finds Pope more in thrall with the E Street Band than ever on vivacious blue-collar anthems.”

Tour dates:

10/14 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre
10/16 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s
10/17 - Detroit, MI - The Majestic
10/19 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
10/20 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
10/21 - Chicago, IL - Park West
10/22 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe
10/28 - Stockholm, SE - Fryshuset (Klubben)
10/29 - Oslo, NO - Parkteatret
10/30 - Copenhagen, DK - DR Koncerthuset
10/31 - Hamburg, DE - Terrace Hill
11/1 - Amsterdam, NL - Bitterzoet
11/2 - Cologne, DE - Artheater
11/3 - Munich, DE - Ampere
11/5 - London, UK - The Garage
11/6 - Manchester, UK - Academy 3

SPCO: Introducing Lembit Beecher
Capri Theater
Fri 10/20/2017 (7pm/$15)
thecapritheater.org

Chamber Music Series: Introducing Lembit Beecher is described as “Lembit Beecher, the SPCO’s Music Alive composer-in-residence, curates and hosts this program which features his most recent string quartet, written in 2016 and inspired by his love of Schubert. The ideas of repetition and obsession, combined with a sense of nostalgia and longing, inhabit all the works on the program.”

SPCO (Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra) is also hosting “The SPCO at Icehouse: SCHUBERT” at the Icehouse on October 19th ($20, 6pm)

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

Kid Koala: Nufonia Must Fall at the McGuire Theater, Minneapolis (02 April 2016)

Credits Music: Kid Koala Director: K.K. Barrett Producer: Ryhna Thompson Set Designer: Benjamin Gerlis Puppet Designers: Clea Minaker, Patrick Martel, Felix Boisvert, Karina Bleau Director of Photography/Camera Operator: AJ Korkidakis String Arrangements/Music Director/Sound Engineer: Vid Cousins Puppeteers: Patrick Martel, Tyson Houseman, Veronica Barron Music Performers: Kid Koala, The Cecilia String Quartet Video Editor: Ben Knight Technical Director/Stage Manager: Olivier Gaudet-Savard Tour Manager: Patrick Hamou Additional Set Designer: Corinne Merrell Assistant Set Designers: Jeremy Gordoneer, Marie-Pier Fortier Modelmakers: Maude-Emelie Bourque, Dan Buller, Clara Gonzalez, Kyle Purves Puppet Technical Designer: Patrick Marrtel Assistant Puppet Builders: Isabelle Chretien, Jesse Orr, Christine Plouffe, Veronica Poirier Additional Production: Patricia Boushel, Colin Mackenzie, Alexandre Gagnon, Pamela Fillion Read More Kid Koala This is a book, completely written and drawn (with accompanying soundtrack) by Kid Koala, called "Nufonia Must Fall". It's a love story between a lonely office girl and an out-of-work robot. … Liquid Music The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series, now in its third season, offers performances by artists who bend the distinctions between classical music and other genres, and take their music in new and unique .....

When I first bought the graphic novel/soundtrack of Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall in 2003, I never imagined it as a live puppet show. Having just experienced the wonderful show at the sold-out McGuire Theater (at the Walker Art Center) on Saturday night, this was always what Eric San (Kid Koala) had always envisioned his story to be seen and heard. The graphic novel was, perhaps, just the storyboard to the actual live film we just saw at the Walker Art Center.

The Nufonia Must Fall show is part of the Walker Art Center and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music series (now in the middle of its fourth season), with the idea of providing these incredible shows in very unique presentation formats.

Before Nufonia Must Fall started, Koala warmed up the crowd by doing what he does best: scratching two records to what he called “Canadian Bingo”. Unfortunately, the Bingo game was cut short when, after five images were displayed, we had at least three winners! So ended the world’s fastest Bingo game (under a minute).

As for Nufonia Must Fall, this is simply one of the most magical and adorable show you’ll ever see. Everything you see on the giant screen, directed by K.K. Barrett (with only a few pre-recorded footage) was created live for our show. This included the puppetry, special effects, lighting, and, of course, the live orchestra soundtrack. You can’t help but sometime glancing down at the puppeteers and spoiling yourself as you see how it’s done or by the nature of the layout and characters, what is coming up next.

Malorie and T4 robot

What made our shows special is that the art directors and designers made some special additions to their sets like adding very specific Minneapolis things: the Target flag, the Surly Brewing Co. sign, the Purple Rain movie, the Pizza Lucé reference, etc. Every time the audience saw one of these Easter eggs, they laughed and cheered. Clearly, each Nufonia Must Fall show must be unique to the cities they perform in.

The whole story never felt long or dragged on, and before you knew it, the camera panned over the “The End” sign over the airport landing strip. A thunderous standing ovation broke out and continued well over the credits and after the performers took their bows.

After the show, the audience was invited to come take a closer look at the puppets and sets. They slowly lined up and generally really curious about the magical production.

Of course, with the much-needed room on stage for the 10 (or more) mini-sets and filming rigs, these Nufonia Must Fall shows strictly limited to certain type of venues. If they are playing in your area, make the effort to check out the show, it’ll be worth it.

04/08 OCCC Visual - Oklahoma City, OK
04/22 Hult Center, Eugene, OR
04/28 Further Future Music Festival Las Vegas, NV

Kid Koala: Nufonia Must Fall at the William and Nadine McGuire Theater, Minneapolis (02 April 2016)

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Olga Bell w/ Angel Deradoorian - Krai World Premiere, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (13 Feb 2014) concert review

Olga Bell: Origin/Outcome Program Book Angel Deradoorian setlist Duduk for Two Voices Expanding Flower Planet Grow Komodo Violet Minded Olga Bell, Krai setlist Krasnodar Krai Altai Krai Perm Krai Stavropol Krai Krasnoyarsk Krai Primorsky Krai Zabaikalsky Krai Khabarovsk Krai Kamchatka Krai Liquid Music Series Schedule 03/21/14-03/22/14 Timo Andres: Work Songs 05/06/14 Daniel Bjarnason and Nadia Sirota 06/03/14 Ethel: Documerica Read More Liquid Music The acclaimed Liquid Music Series from Saint Paul’s Chamber Orchestra continues its second season, bound and determined to “expand the world of classical music through innovative new projects … Olga Bell This Thursday welcomes Moscow-born, Brooklyn-based composer/performer Olga Bell (best known for her work with Dirty Projectors) as she world premieres Krai, a nine-movement song cycle described as a sonic love letter … Deradoorian The two-set evening will begin with an intimate collaborative set by Bell and special guest vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Angel Deradoorian, to be followed by Krai. …

Welcome to the Edge.

The word Krai in Russian refers to the “edge, brink, border, or frontier”, and that is what Dirty Projectors member Olga Bell chose to sonically interpret, as the world premiere of Bell’s nine-song cycle was performed last week at the Walker Art Center, as part of the continuing Liquid Music Series, which is co-presented with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the American Composers Forum.

Angel Deradoorian

Bell, and cohort Angel Deradoorian (formerly of Dirty Projectors) and a ten-piece ensemble presented two sets of avant-garde music, keeping in theme with the mission statement of the Liquid Music Series, “to expand the world of classical music through innovative new projects, boundary-defying artists, and unique presentation formats”.

Deradoorian & Bell

Deradoorian began the evening with a 30 min. set of newer compositions, including the opening ‘Duduk for Two Voices’, a stark new acapella piece performed with Bell, inspired by the Armenian instrument of her heritage.

Eschewing selections from her 2009 EP, Mind Raft (Love Pump United), the vocalist/keyboardist instead unveiled lush new works that brought both a modern sound, and tip of the hat to the traditional folk base of her family’s culture, with Bell leading the background vocalists in Kate Bush-like siren hums and wails. The soothing closer, ‘Violet Minded’, with steady but slow percussion, crept quietly then transformed into a revved-up crescendo, to end the set with flourish.

After a brief intermission, the ensemble re-appeared, with Bell taking over the lead role, to debut the 45 min. sonic love letter to her Russian homeland, backed by the sweeping, sometimes fragmented visuals of artist Alejandro Crawford (who has previously worked with MGMT).

The entire performance, deemed Origin/Outcome meant to celebrate the “human vernacular- the music to which we dance, eat, grieve and live”, and was inspired by the country where Moscow-born Bell spent her early childhood.

Considered a mosaic of impressions rather than any political or music-ethnographic statement, each song in the cycle takes geographic inspiration from Russia’s nine regional frontiers. The divergent accompanying visuals both gave the audience a look into life there, and enhanced the performed live soundtrack.

Entirely sung in Russian, it was sometimes difficult to truly understand Bell’s vision during the performance, and while there was a translation printed in the program, it was dark enough in the hushed theater, that following along was not a possibility.

Drawing on Russian folk traditions and the modern indie-pop that bands like her Dirty Projectors favor, the past/present dichotomy was best served in second movement, ‘Altai Krai’, which featured a drone-like, low throat-singing vocal.

Bell even collaborated with her mother (who was in the audience) on a few songs, including ‘Perm Krai’, lyrics taken from a traditional Cossack ballad amidst some manic drumming and soaring background vocals, including Deradoorian’s.

The audience was in rapt attention throughout, and respectful of the performers, staying silent except for the occasional sneeze or cough. The acoustics in the venerable McGuire Theater were perfectly suited to the performance, the room crisp enough to hear even the slight clink of Bell’s metal water bottle as she set it down between songs.

Stage lighting was kept to a minimum, putting the attention on the screen visuals and ensemble as a whole, rather than particular details.

Olga Bell

Bell, who began nervously (probably due to its first performance and all the family and friends in the audience) seemed to settle in with fourth movement, ‘Stavropol Krai’, a mid-tempo’d song with traditional text anchored by electronic and traditional jazz-like percussion.

London multi-instrumentalist Tom Vek, who collaborates with Bell in the side-project, Nothankyou, was initially scheduled to perform as well, but unfortunately was unable to make it, and would have no doubt, rounded out the compositions even more.

Closing pieces ‘Khabarovsk Krai’ and ‘Kamchatka Krai’ were also steeped in traditional themes with a modern sensibility; the former beginning with a raw door knocking-like percussion to be followed by a pulsing electronic beat, the latter more folkish and indigenous sounding with its low singing style and sometimes disjointed vocal and percussive elements.

Bell

Highly personal and very different from her 2011 solo debut Diamonite under the name Bell, Olga Bell succeeded in paying homage to her Russian and Alaskan upbringing through song, while stretching the musical boundaries of her own sound.

While the piece might have been better served as a continuous performance with better transitions and electronic percussion slightly dialed down in the live mix, it did bring a taste of the Russian hinterlands into a Minnesota audience that can definitely relate to any harsh and cold elements.

Engaging, sonically interesting, and knocking down boundaries associated with traditional classical music, score another win for the Liquid Music Series.

Olga Bell at Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (13 Feb 2014)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com