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Minneapolis: This Week (03/26/2023)

Here are some shows, this week, in the Minneapolis/St Paul area.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

02/22 The Beths with Sidney Gish at First Avenue Read More The Beths Tribune called The Beths, one of the “best up-and-coming bands”, so we were really eager to catch this young New Zealand trio (Elizabeth Stokes, Jonathan Pearce and ....

03/20/2023 Monday

The Beths
with Sidney Gish
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Update: Remember that The Beths show on Feb 22? Well, no thanks to that blizzard of a century that passed through Minneapolis, the Australian band had to postponed the show until March 20, 2023… at the end of their American tour. We are still covering this upcoming show… hopefully no more snow on this date.

Sidney Gish to open.

>>>
New Zealand-based quartet The Beths is back on tour in support of their album Expert In A Dying Field (Carpark Records).

The Beths at Fine Line (04 Mar 2022)

We saw The Beths in Mar 2022 and wrote, “As for The Beths (singer and guitarist Liz Stokes, lead guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck) … it’s been a while since we last saw the band at Rock the Garden in 2019. We wrote, “Chicago Tribune called The Beths, one of the “best up-and-coming bands”, so we were really eager to catch this young New Zealand trio (Elizabeth Stokes, Jonathan Pearce and Benjamin Sinclair) on tour. This is also partly because they are one of those few bands that we haven’t covered and was excited to see their first time in the area. According to guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Pearce, the band have been on a co-headlining tour with Bad Bad Hats since February 2019, so they were pretty happy to share the stage once again with the local band. The band basically played their debut Future Me Hates Me, available now from Carpark Records.”

Tour dates:

Wed. Mar. 8 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
Fri. Mar. 10 - Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
Sat. Mar. 11 - Dallas, TX @ Tulips
Tue. Mar. 14 - Denver, CO @ Summit
Thu. Mar. 16 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
Fri. Mar. 17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
Sat. Mar. 18 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Mon. Mar. 20 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

03/22 Betty Who with Shea Couleé at First Avenue Read More Betty Who Just in time for Valentine, Betty Who's single "Heartbreak Dream" is coming out February 18th. Who cited Katy Perry and Robyn as massive influences on her music ....

03/22/2023 Wednesday

Betty Who
with Shea Couleé
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Pop sensation Betty Who recently covered Kate Bush’s iconic “Running Up That Hill”; the song had a renaissance last year when it was featured prominently in an episode of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

In other Who news, Betty Who was also been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Music Artist category for her acclaimed album BIG! (BMG). The GLAAD Media Award is an accolade bestowed by GLAAD, the world’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Shea Couleé to open.

Tour dates:

02/28/23: Phoenix, AZ at The Van Buren*
03/02/23: Dallas, TX at The Echo Lounge*
03/03/23: Austin, TX at Scoot Inn*
03/04/23: Houston, TX at House Of Blues*
03/06/23: Nashville, TN at Brooklyn Bowl*
03/07/23: Atlanta, GA at Variety Playhouse*
03/08/23: Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel*
03/10/23: Washington, DC at The Anthem#*
03/11/23: New York, NY at Hammerstein Ballroom*
03/14/23: Philadelphia, PA at Union Transfer*
03/15/23: Boston, MA at House Of Blues*
03/17/23: Toronto, ON at The Danforth Music Hall*
03/18/23: Detroit, MI at Saint Andrews Hall*
03/19/23: Columbus, OH at Newport Music Hall*
03/21/23: Chicago, IL at Riviera Theatre*
03/22/23: Minneapolis, MN at First Avenue*
03/24/23: Denver, CO at Ogden Theatre*
03/25/23: Salt Lake City, UT at The Depot*
03/28/23: Seattle, WA at Showbox SoDo*
03/29/23: Portland, OR at Wonder Ballroom*
03/31/23: San Francisco, CA at The Warfield*
04/01/23: Los Angeles, CA at The Novo*

* With Shea Coulee
# With Slayyyter
^ With Neve

03/23 Masego with Ogi at First Avenue Read More Ogi Los Angeles-based Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Ogi, to open. Tour dates: 09/03 – San Diego, CA – Music Box 09/04 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory …

03/23/2023 Thursday

Masego
with Ogi
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Jazz/R&B/multi-instrumentalist Masego is currently on his “You Never Visit Me Tour”. Masego’s self-titled album is available now on EQT Recordings/Capitol Records.

“I'm very thankful of the journey. This went from a hobby to a job,” says Masego. “I was getting all the things that they say that you're supposed to be fulfilled by and I wasn't fulfilled by it. I had to do a re-evaluation of a lot of things. I said, ‘I can't make this what I imagined it to be. So I cannot remain here. I need to move.’”

Ogi to open.

Tour Dates

Mar 12, 2023 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
Mar 13, 2023 The Observatory Santa Ana, CA
Mar 14, 2023 The Warfield San Francisco, CA
Mar 16, 2023 The Showbox Seattle, WA
Mar 17, 2023 Vogue Theatre Vancouver, BC
Mar 18, 2023 Roseland Theater Portland, OR
Mar 20, 2023 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
Mar 23, 2023 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
Mar 24, 2023 The Salt Shed Chicago, IL
Mar 25, 2023 Royal Oak Music Theatre Detroit, MI
Mar 28, 2023 Agora Theatre and Ballroom Cleveland, OH
Mar 29, 2023 HISTORY Toronto, ON
Mar 31, 2023 House of Blues Boston Boston, MA
Apr 1, 2023 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Apr 2, 2023 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Apr 4, 2023 The Fillmore Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Apr 5, 2023 Rams Head Live! Baltimore, MD
Apr 7, 2023 The Fillmore Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD
Apr 8, 2023 The Fillmore Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD
Apr 9, 2023 The Fillmore Charlotte Charlotte, NC
Apr 11, 2023 Marathon Music Works Nashville, TN
Apr 12, 2023 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
Apr 14, 2023 Jannus Live St. Petersburg, FL
Apr 15, 2023 House of Blues Orlando Orlando, FL
Apr 16, 2023 Oasis Wynwood Miami, FL
Apr 19, 2023 Republic NOLA New Orleans, LA
Apr 21, 2023 House of Blues Dallas Dallas, TX
Apr 22, 2023 Warehouse Live Houston, TX
Apr 23, 2023 Stubb's Austin Austin, TX
Apr 26, 2023 The Van Buren Phoenix, AZ
Apr 27, 2023 The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA
Apr 28, 2023 The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA
May 28, 2023 Cross The Tracks Festival Brixton, UK

03/23 The Church with DJ Jake Rudh at Fine Line Read More The Church Australia’s The Church is back in the city. The last time we saw them at the Cedar in 2015 we noted, “The show was performed as one long set, versus the two separate sets done …

03/23/2023 Thursday

The Church
with DJ Jake Rudh
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

Australia’s progressive, psych band The Church is touring in support of their forthcoming album The Hypnogogue (Communicating Vessels). The group will stop by the Fine Line in Minneapolis on March 23rd.

The Church at Turf Club (15 Oct 2018)

We saw the band in Oct 2018 and wrote, “Australia’s longtime 80s band The Church recently played the sold-out Turf Club show in St Paul, as part of their 30th Anniversary of Starfish tour. Undoubtable, this is the Sydney band’s most well-known album, at least to an international audience, thanks to their top 40 hit single, “Under the Milky Way”. ”

DJ Jake Rudh to DJ before the band.

Tour Dates

Mar 11 Los Angeles, CA The Belasco
Mar 12 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Mar 14 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
Mar 16 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
Mar 17 Tacoma, WA Elks Temple Ballroom
Mar 21 Englewood, CO Gothic Theater
Mar 23 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Hall
Mar 25 St Louis, MO Delmar Hall
Mar 26 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall
Mar 28 Kent, OH Kent Stage
Mar 29 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
Mar 30 New York, NY Gramercy Theater
Mar 31 Boston, MA The Sinclair
Apr 1 Hartford, CT Infinity Hall
Apr 3 Asbury Park, NJ Asbury Lanes
Apr 4 Alexandria, VA Birchmere Music Hall
Apr 5 Norfolk VA The Norva
Apr 6 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
Apr 8 Pelham, TN The Caverns

03/24 J.I.D and Smino at Fillmore Minneapolis Read More Smino SZA will be appearing in Minneapolis on September 1st. Originally booked at the Cabooze, the show was upgraded to First Avenue’s. Smino and Ravyn Lenae to open. ...

03/24/2023 Friday

J.I.D and Smino
at Fillmore Minneapolis
livenation.com

J.I.D and Smino are on a co-headlining Luv is 4ever tour… they are stopping by the Fillmore in Minneapolis on March 24th, 2023.

Atlanta rapper J.I.D’s latest is The Forever Story, which topped many “Best of 2022” lists, including Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.

St. Louis rapper Smino’s third album Luv 4 Rent was his debut project with Motown Records, in partnership with Zero Fatigue.

Tour dates:

Feb 15 San Antonio, TX, US Aztec Theatre
Feb 16 Houston, TX, US Revention Music Center
Feb 18 Atlanta, GA, US Coca-Cola Roxy
Feb 19 Atlanta, GA, US Coca-Cola Roxy
Feb 21 St Petersburg, FL, US Jannus Live
Feb 22 Miami, FL, US Oasis Wynwood
Feb 22 Miami, FL, US Oasis Wynwood
Feb 24 Charlotte, NC, US The Fillmore
Feb 26 Silver Spring, MD, US The Fillmore
Feb 27 Silver Spring, MD, US The Fillmore
Mar 1 Philadelphia, PA, US The Fillmore
Mar 3 New York (NYC), NY, US Terminal 5
Mar 4 New York (NYC), NY, US Terminal 5
Mar 7 Wallingford, CT, US Dome
Mar 8 Boston, MA, US Citizens House
Mar 9 Boston, MA, US Citizens House
Mar 12 Montreal, QC, Canada MTELUS
Mar 13 Toronto, ON, Canada History
Mar 15 Toronto, ON, Canada History
Mar 17 Detroit, MI, US The Fillmore
Mar 18 Grand Rapids, MI, US GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Mar 21 Chicago, IL, US Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Mar 23 Madison, WI, US The Sylvee
Mar 24 Minneapolis, MN, US Fillmore Minneapolis
Mar 25 Kansas City, MO, US Arvest Bank Theatre
Mar 28 Cincinnati, OH, US Andrew J. Brady Music Center
Mar 29 Nashville, TN, US Marathon Music Works
Apr 19 Berlin, Germany Gretchen
Apr 21 Antwerp, Belgium TRIX
Apr 22 Paris, France Élysée Montmartre
Apr 24 London, UK KOKO
Apr 25 London, UK O2 Forum Kentish Town
Apr 27 Dublin, Ireland The Button Factory

03/25 Inhaler with Sun Room at First Avenue Read More Inhaler Following a sold-out UK tour, Irish quartet Inhaler released My Honest Face EP, which features their cover of Billie Eilish’s single “Your Power”. ....

03/25/2023 Saturday

Inhaler
with Sun Room
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Irish band Inhaler will be headlining First Avenue on March 25, in support of their second album Cuts & Bruises (Geffen Records).

“If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” is the new single fromCuts & Bruises, which the band described, “Whilst on tour in America last year we were listening to a lot of music by some of the great American writers such as Bob Dylan, The Band, Bruce Springsteen etc. Listening to these artists while travelling on big open highways resonated with us and helped shape this song into making us sound more like a live band than we had before.”

Cuts & Bruises is the follow-up to Inhaler’s debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This which debuted at no.1 in both the UK & Irish Official Charts. Released in July 2021,It Won’t Always Be Like This became the fastest-selling debut album on vinyl by any band this century and saw Inhaler become the first Irish group to top the Album Charts with a debut in 13 years.

Southern California’s Sun Room to open. The rock four-piece features Luke Asgian (lead vocals & guitar), Ashton Minnich (guitar), Max Pinamonti (bass), and Gibby Anderson (drums). Their latest EP Outta Their Minds is out now.

Tour dates:

03/06 Austin Emo’s
03/07 Houston White Oak Music Hall
03/08 Dallas The Echo Lounge
03/10 Nashville Brooklyn Bowl
03/11 Atlanta Buckhead Theatre
03/13 Washington DC 9:30 Club
03/14 Washington DC 9:30 Club
03/16 Philadelphia DC TLA
03/17 New York Hammerstein Ballroom
03/18 Boston House of Blues
03/20 Montreal Corona Theatre
03/21 Toronto Danforth Music Hall
03/23 Detroit St Andrews Hall
03/24 Chicago Riviera Theatre
03/25 Minneapolis First Avenue
03/27 Denver Summit
03/28 Salt Lake City The Complex Grand
03/30 Seattle The Showbox
03/31 Vancouver Commodore Ballroom
04/01 Portland Wonder Ballroom
04/03 San Francisco The Regency Ballroom
04/05 Los Angeles The Wiltern Theatre
04/06 Los Angeles The Wiltern Theatre

03/25 Ingrid Andress with Madeline Edwards at Fine Line Read More Ingrid Andress Keith Urban with Tyler Hubbard Ingrid Andress, T-Mobile Center. $29.50-$169.50 Australia’s favorite country music export is out on his Speed of Now World Tour and bringing along two solid support acts- half of Florida Georgia Line and a rising singer-songwriter. …

03/25/2023 Saturday

Ingrid Andress
with Madeline Edwards
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

3x GRAMMY-nominee Ingrid Andress is on a headlining “The Good Person Tour”.

Andress reached the top of the Country Aircheck chart with her Platinum-certified hit “Wishful Drinking (with Sam Hunt),” as seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, taken from her celebrated sophomore album, Good Person.

Madeline Edwards to open.

Tour Dates

Feb 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Commonwealth ^
Feb 25 – Denver, CO – Bluebird ^
Feb 28 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall ^
March 2 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey ^
March 15 – New York City, NY – Gramercy Theatre •
March 16 – Boston, MA – Sinclair •
March 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation ^
March 25 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line ^
April 1 – San Diego, CA – Boots In The Park *
May 4 – Dublin, IRL – Whelans +
May 5 – Belfast, UK – Limelight 2 +
May 7 – Glasgow, UK – St. Luke's +
May 9 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla +
May 10 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute 3 +
May 11 – London, UK – Scala +
May 15 – Paris, France – Le Pop Up du Label +
May 16 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg OZ +
May 17 – Cologne, DE – Blue Shell +
May 19 – Berlin, DE – Frannz Club +
May 20 – Hamburg, DE – Nochtwache +
May 21 – Copenhagen, DK – Lille Vega +
May 23 – Stockholm, SE – Nalen Club +
May 24 – Oslo, NO – John Dee +

^ with special guest Madeline Edwards
• with special guest Carter Faith
+ with special guest Nick Wilson * festival date

03/26 Yo La Tengo at First Avenue Read More Yo La Tengo Dark Dark Dark (they're from Minneapolis!), Yo La Tengo (not sure if they fit in "folk"), Cadence Weapon (I like him, but again, not sure "folk" fits him), and The Felice Brothers. ...

03/26/2023 Sunday

Yo La Tengo
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Hoboken rock trio Yo La Tengo (“I have it”) is touring in support of their sixteenth studio album This Stupid World (Matador Records). For the first time, Yo La Tengo put together this album entirely on their own, including doing their own mixes.

The tour kicks off March 9th in North Carolina and they’ll end the USA tour at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Then the band will play the UK starting in April 2023.

Tour dates:

Mar 9 Carrboro, NC, US Cat's Cradle
Mar 10 Carrboro, NC, US Cat's Cradle
Mar 11 Asheville, NC, US The Orange Peel
Mar 12 Asheville, NC, US The Orange Peel
Mar 13 Nashville, TN, US The Basement East
Mar 14 Nashville, TN, US The Basement East
Mar 16 Charlottesville, VA, US Jefferson Theater
Mar 17 Philadelphia, PA, US Union Transfer
Mar 18 Brooklyn, NY, US Brooklyn Steel
Mar 19 Washington, DC, US 9:30 Club
Mar 21 Pittsburgh, PA, US Mr Smalls Theater
Mar 22 Cleveland, OH, US Beachland Ballroom
Mar 24 Chicago, IL, US Metro
Mar 25 Milwaukee, WI, US Turner Hall Ballroom
Mar 26 Minneapolis, MN, US First Avenue
Apr 10 Dublin, Ireland 3Olympia Theatre
Apr 12 Manchester, UK Manchester New Century
Apr 13 Bristol, UK SWX
Apr 14 London, UK The London Palladium
Apr 18 Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradiso Grote Zaal
Apr 19 Rotterdam, Netherlands LantarenVenster
Apr 20 Hamburg, Germany Uebel & Gefährlich
Apr 21 Copenhagen, Denmark Bremen Teater
Apr 23 Cologne, Germany Gloria Theater
Apr 24 Prague, Czech Republic MeetFactory
Apr 25 Berlin, Germany Huxley's Neue Welt
Apr 27 Paris, France La Cigale
Apr 29 Barcelona, Spain Sala Apolo
Apr 29 Murcia, Spain Warm Up festival
May 2 Madrid, Spain Warner Music Station
May 3 Bilbao, Spain Santana 27
May 4 Bordeaux, France Rock School Barbey

03/26 The Scarlet Goodbye with Willie Wisely at Icehouse Read More Scarlet Goodbye Cancelled - Feb 11 Willie Wisely and The Scarlet Goodbye at Turf Club Cancelled - Mar 2 The Staves at First Avenue Cancelled - Mar 4 Jonathan Richman at The Fitzgerald Theater …

03/26/2023 Sunday

The Scarlet Goodbye
with Willie Wisely
at Icehouse
icehousempls.com

Minneapolis’ The Scarlet Goodbye has an album release party for Hope's Eternal (InGrooves/Universal Records) at the Icehouse in Minneapolis.

The band features Daniel Murphy (from Soul Asylum) and Jeff Arundel. The two met randomly at a café, after Murphy already quit music and sold all his gears. Murphy regrets his decision, as after meeting Arundel, when they decided to form a new band, the Scarlet Goodbye.

“In 2012 I sold all the guitars and amps” said Murphy, “Now I’m busy buying them all back!”

Arundel adds, “Dan and I have been playing and writing for the same decades, we just never ran into each other. And obviously, we were walking different ends of the musical street… but we met, and I became intrigued when he told me that after being out of it for 10 years, maybe he missed it. So I invited him to the studio, and it was pretty instantly magical—a mutual collision of suggesting things to each other that the other wouldn’t have normally done”.

The Jayhawks (21 Dec 2018)

We saw Murphy randomly appearing at The Jayhawks show in Dec 2018 and wrote, “… the highlight had to be with Johnson and longtime Soul Asylum guitarist Dan Murphy (looking thinner but very happy) forming “semi-Smog” an almost lineup of alt supergroup Golden Smog (sans Jeff Tweedy) for a version of 1998’s ‘Until You Came Along’.”

Willie Wisely to open.

Tour dates:

3/26/23: VINYL RELEASE SHOW---> ICEHOUSE (w/Wille Wisely) Mpls, MN
4/20/23: The Dubliner (Acoustic Show) St. Paul, MN
5/6/23: Palmers (Outdoor w/Run Westy Run) @ 6pm Mpls, MN
5/26/23: Earth Rider Brewery (w/Rich Mattson and the Allstars) Superior, WI
6/11/23: Hewing Hotel (Outside Rooftop Music Series) Mpls, MN
8/19/23: Hook and Ladder ("Under the Canopy" series w/ Turn Turn Turn) Mpls, MN
8/25-26/23: Outdoor Festival, Silver Bay, MN
9/23/23: 318 Cafe (Acoustic Show) Excelsior, MN

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: December 17

12/17 The Jayhawks with Golden Smog at Palace Theatre Read More The Jayhawks The show was advertised as Gary Louris and Friends. For those that don't know Gary, he is one of the founding members of the Jayhawks. They have a new CD coming in September, which involves the reunion with Mark Olson. …

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

12/17/2022 Saturday

The Jayhawks
with Golden Smog
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

Local favorites, The Jayhawks has a special holiday show coming up at the Palace Theatre in St Paul on December 17, 2023.

Supergroup Golden Smog (feat. Gary Louris, Kraig Johnson, Dan Murphy, Marc Perlman) will be opening the show. They’re listed as “Unplugged”.

The Jayhawks adds:

Tickets have been moving very fast for our December 17 Holiday Show with Golden Smog "Unplugged" at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul. Thanks!

We've already dived into show prep: We'll be playing some "deep cuts," a selection of songs from our last 3 albums, a few cool covers and, of course, some holiday songs. What do you want to hear?

There will be plenty of surprises - this is a night you won't want to miss.

TICKET LINK: bit.ly/3FTHy7H

12/17 Nikki Lane with Jaime Wyatt at Fine Line Read More Nikki Lane Country singer/songwriter Nikki Lane is back in Minneapolis at the Turf Club this Sunday. The venue was an upgrade from the Fine Line Music Café, which was done to accommodate all …

12/17/2022 Saturday

Nikki Lane
with Jaime Wyatt
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

Country singer Nikki Lane is touring in support of her fourth album Denim & Diamonds. The record came out in September via New West Records. The 10-song project was produced and mixed by Joshua Homme at his Pink Duck Studios in Burbank, CA and is Lane’s first album in five years.   

Lane will stop by the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis on December 17, 2022.

Jaime Wyatt to open.

Tour Dates

Nov 29 Tue The Grey Eagle Asheville, NC
Nov 30 Wed Harvester Performance Center Rocky Mount, VA
Dec 1 Thu Black Cat Washington, DC
Dec 2 Fri Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Dec 3 Sat Ardmore Music Hall Ardmore, PA
Dec 4 Sun Brighton Music Hall Allston, MA
Dec 6 Tue Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ON, Canada
Dec 8 Thu Thunderbird Café Pittsburgh, PA
Dec 9 Fri Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH
Dec 10 Sat A&R Music Bar Columbus, OH
Dec 11 Sun The Southgate House Reviva Newport, KY
Dec 12 Mon El Club Detroit, MI
Dec 14 Wed Space Evanston, IL
Dec 15 Thu High Noon Saloon Madison, WI
Dec 16 Fri Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI
Dec 17 Sat Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, MN
Dec 18 Sun Wooly's Des Moines, IA
Mar 16 Thu MGM Music Hall Boston, MA
Apr 15 Sat Two Step Inn 2023 Georgetown, TX
Apr 29 Sat Stagecoach 2023 Indio, CA
Jul 26 Wed Floydfest 2023 Floyd, VA  

12/17 Social Animals at 7th St Entry Read More Social Animals Duluth’s Social Animals will be doing a Spring 2020 tour with Beach Slang. The Alternative band features lead vocalist Dedric Clark (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tony Petersen (lead guitar), Boyd Smith (drums), and Roger Whittet (bass). …

12/17/2022 Saturday

Social Animals
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Duluth’s Social Animals will be doing a few holiday shows in December. The alt-rock outfit released their self-titled debut album on Rise Records.

The 10 tracks on the debut drew influences from British bands like The Cure, Oasis and New Order. The album was produced by singer/guitarist Dedric Clark with co-production from Jeremy Hatcher (Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Maggie Rogers) and John Rausch (Taylor Swift, Moon Taxi, Niall Horan).

For their hometown gig in Duluth, the band writes, “Tickets are selling very fast for our December 30 show in Duluth. Way faster than we thought. It means so much to have this continued support back home. We’re putting together a great show for you. Thank you!!”

Tour Dates:

12.16.22 - Minot, ND.
12.17.22 - Minneapolis, MN. 7th Street Entry.
12.30.22 - Duluth, MN. The Rex.

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Going for Gold XXXIII

Read more Going for Gold

Read More Choir Boy COLD CAVE + Choir Boy, Black Marble Turf Club Thu 06/07/2018 (7:30pm/$15) turfclub.net Philadelphia and New York City’s Cold Cave will be headlining the Turf Club on …

Riki
riki.bandcamp

Visual artist and musician Riki released her latest album Gold (featuring the single “Marigold”) on Dais Records, in December.

The reason we’re talking about the album is that you can hear it live with her upcoming shows, supporting Choir Boy.

Tour Dates

Mar 15 Denver, CO - Lost Lake +
Mar 17 St. Paul, MN - Turf Club +
Mar 18 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall +
Mar 19 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop +
Mar 21 Detroit, MI - Sanctuary +
Mar 22 Toronto, ON - The Garrison +
Mar 24 Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz +
Mar 25 Boston, MA - Sonia +
Mar 26 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg +
Mar 27 Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA +
Mar 28 Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery +
Mar 29 Richmond, VA - The Camel +
Mar 20 Durham, NC - Motorco +
Apr 01 Atlanta, GA - Purgatory +
Apr 02 New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa +
Apr 03 Houston, TX - Satellite Bar +
Apr 04 Austin, TX - The Parish +
Apr 05 Dallas, TX - Three Links Deep Ellum +
Apr 07 Phoenix, AZ - The Rebel Lounge +
Apr 08 San Diego, CA - The Casbah +
Apr 10 San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop +
Apr 13 Vancouver, BC - Biltmore +
Apr 14 Seattle, WA - Crocodile +
Apr 15 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios +
Apr 16 Boise, ID - Neurolux +

+notes dates with Choir Boy

Read More George Ezra Young guitarist and singer George Ezra is back in Minneapolis to promote his sophomore album Staying At Tamara’s. We caught Ezra opening for Sam Smith in January 2015 and ....

George Ezra
georgeezra.com

BRIT Award-winning, multi-platinum selling musician George Ezra announced his highly anticipated new album Gold Rush Kid. The 12-track LP is set to release June 10 via Columbia Records and is available to pre-order.

Ezra admitted that the album title “Gold Rush Kid” refers to himself, “The Gold Rush Kid? That’s me.”

We saw Ezra in Jan 2015, opening for Sam Smith, and we wrote, “The evening started on a high note, with bass-baritone voiced fellow UK up-and-comer George Ezra and band playing seven songs in a brief 30 min. opening set. The 21 yr. old guided his three-piece band playing selections from his debut LP, Wanted on Voyage (Columbia/Sony Records) which makes its U.S. debut (after being out in the UK and Europe since last June) today in record shops.

The lanky Ezra has a big, bluesy voice and lyrics that belie his young age, and sounds almost American, as his stated folk influences have been Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly and Howlin’ Wolf among others. Lead single, ‘Budapest’ received the predictably strongest response, but initial UK single and set opener ‘Cassie O’ and the closing ‘Did You Hear the Rain’ (folky with electronic loops) also had toes tapping and heads nodding.”

Read More Jeff Tweedy Jeff Tweedy the singer/songwriter of the super popular group Wilco will be playing the Pantages Theatre on Friday, Sep 21. British songwriter and performer James Elkington will be opening support for Tweedy. …

Golden Smog
twitter.com/golden_smog

Local supergroup Golden Smog returns to the stage, playing First Avenue this April 2nd and April 3rd. Thank god it’s not on April’s Fools Day.

The group features Jeff Tweedy (from Wilco), Gary Louris (from Jayhawks), Dan Murphy (from Soul Asylum), Kraig Johnson (from Run Westy Run), Marc Perlman (Jayhawks), and Jody Stephens (from Big Star).

Support for this show will be from Tina and the B-Sides and Kiss the Tiger for April 2nd, while Miloe will appear on April 3rd.

The show’s been rescheduled a few times, here is the details:

The Golden Smog show originally scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been rescheduled and will take place on April 2, 2022. All tickets purchased for the original date will be honored.

If you prefer a refund and bought tickets from AXS online, or if you’d like to exchange for tickets to the Sunday, April 3, 2022 show, sign into your account via the AXS app, or use the AXS Request Form. Otherwise, refunds are available at your original point of purchase. Please note: Refund or exchange requests for this show must be submitted by February 10, 2022.

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: February 14 to February 19, 2020

Celebrating Ed Ackerson at First Avenue Read More Ed Ackerson I have here Ed Ackerson's Ackerson2 album in my frozen fingers, I don't think there is an official release date, other than that it's already available for purchase. Incidentally, if you don't know who Ackerson is …

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from February 14 to February 19, 2020.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

ED ACKERSON CELEBRATION OF LIFE BENEFIT
feat. The Jayhawks, Mark Mallman
+ Kraig Jarret Johnson, Two Harbors
+ BNLX, Polara, DJ Jake Rudh
First Avenue
Sat 02/15/2020 (5pm/$20)
first-avenue.com

We reported on the sad passing of local music legend Ed Ackerson in October 2019. We talked about how we saw his band Polara in 1995, and was excited to be present for BNLX’s very first show at Sauce in March 2010.

There is a celebration / benefit show at First Avenue this February 10th, featuring rock legends The Jayhawks and many other bands.

Hosted by Adam Gislason and Jim McGuinn

Featuring

The Jayhawks

Kraig Johnson & The Poe-gram (featuring David Poe & special guests)

Mark Mallman

Two Harbors

BNLX (with guests Chris Pavlich and Kris Johnson from Two Harbors)

Polara (with guests John Strohm from Blake Babies and Kris Johnson)

and DJ Jake Rudh

5:00pm: Doors/Open House
6:00pm: Celebration of Life Ceremony
7:00pm: Celebration of Life Rock Show

Other shows in the area:

Heart Bones at Turf Club Motion City Soundtrack at the Fillmore Joan at 7th Street Kendel Marvel at Turf Club Lexii Alijai Benefit show Soulfly at the Cabooze Reuben and the Dark at 7th Street Read More Heart Bones Heart Bones is kicking off their tour at the Turf Club in St Paul. This is the new project from local favorite Har Mar Superstar and Sabrina Ellis (of Sweet Spirit). … Motion City Soundtrack Motion City Soundtrack can still qualify as a local band, despite their nationwide popularity and proof that they still connect in Minneapolis, was seen at a crowded main stage for their late afternoon set. … Reuben and the Dark Not a lot of information on the band, the only thing I know is that it's headed by Reuben Bullock. They have a song "Shoulderblade" which you can download for free. The track will be …

HEART BONES
+ The Trappistines
Turf Club
Fri 02/14/2020 (8pm/$25/Sold out)
turfclub.net

It’s Valentine’s Day, so join Heart Bones (aka Har Mar Superstar and Sabrina Ellis) as they show us a good time with their new Hot Dish album (Love OnLine Records). We’ve already heard it, and it’s fantastic.

The Trappistines will open.  

Tour dates:

2/14 – St Paul MN – Turf Club
2/28 – Milwaukee WI – The Cooperage
2/29 – Moline IL – Rust Belt
3/1 – Chicago IL – Empty Bottle
3/3 – Columbus OH – Rumba
3/4 – Brooklyn NY – Knitting Factory
3/5 – Philadelphia PA – Johnny Brendas
3/6 – Millersville PA – Phantom Power
3/7 – Asbury Park NJ – The Saint
3/8 – Boston MA – Great Scott
3/10 – Baltimore MD – Metro Gallery
3/11 – Carrboro NC – Cats Cradle Backroom
3/12 – Atlanta GA – The Earl
3/15 – Houston TX – White Oak Music Hall
4/4 – Fargo ND – The Hall
4/5 – Omaha NE – The Reverb
4/6 – Kansas City MO – Record Bar
4/7 – Denver CO – Globe Hall
4/8 – Salt Lake City UT – Urban Lounge
4/10 – Seattle WA – The Sunset
4/11 – Portland OR – Jack London Revue
4/12 – San Francisco CA – The Chapel
4/13 – Palm Springs CA – The Alibi
4/14 – Los Angeles CA – The Echo
4/15 – San Diego CA – Soda Bar
4/16 – Phoenix AZ – Valley Bar
4/17 – Marfa TX – Lost Horse Saloon
4/18 – San Antonio TX – Paper Tiger

MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
+ In Lieu
The Fillmore
Sat 02/15/2020 (6:30pm/$45)
Sun 02/16/2020 (6:30pm/$45)
Mon 02/17/2020 (6:30pm/$45)
fillmoreminneapolis.com

After a long hiatus, local heroes, Motion City Soundtrack will be doing a three-night residency at the Fillmore this Feb 15 to 17th.

Tour dates:

02/15/2020 The Fillmore Minneapolis, MN
02/16/2020 The Fillmore Minneapolis, MN
02/17/2020 The Fillmore Minneapolis, MN
05/23/2020 Slam Dunk
05/24/2020 Slam Dunk

JOAN
+ Geoffrey Lamar Wilson
7th St Entry
Mon 02/17/2020 (7:30pm/$10)
first-avenue.com

Little Rock duo Joan (stylized as joan) will be playing the 7th Street Entry.

Residency:

02/8/2020 Washington, DC Songbyrd
02/9/2020 Allston, MA Great Scott
02/11/2020 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
02/12/2020 Philadelphia, PA Voltage Lounge
02/14/2020 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground
02/15/2020 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
02/16/2020 Chicago, IL Schubas
02/17/2020 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
02/19/2020 Denver, CO Globe Hall
02/20/2020 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
02/22/2020 Seattle, WA Columbia City Theatre
02/23/2020 Portland, OR Holocene
02/26/2020 San Francisco, CA Café Du Nord
02/27/2020 Los Angeles, CA Moroccan
02/29/2020 Phoenix, AZ Valley Bar
03/2/2020 Dallas,TX Dada
03/3/2020 Austin,TX Stubb's Indoors
03/4/2020 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs

KENDELL MARVEL
+ Erin Viancourt
7th Street Entry
Tue 02/18/2020 (7pm/$12)
first-avenue.com

Kendell Marvel is bringing his Solid Gold Sounds music to the 7th Street Entry on February 18th. The album was co-produced by Grammy winners Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) and Dave “Fergie” Ferguson (John Prine).

Tour dates:

02/13/2020 Elevation 27 Virginia Beach, VA
02/19/2020 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI
07/16/2020 Hertz Arena Estero, FL
07/17/2020 Amway Center Orlando, FL
07/18/2020 Truist Park Atlanta, GA
07/18/2020 SunTrust Park Atlanta, GA
07/23/2020 Darien Lake Darien Center, NY
07/24/2020 St. Joseph's Health Syracuse, NY
07/25/2020 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
07/30/2020 Pavilion Moosic, PA
07/31/2020 BB&T Pavilion Camden, NJ
08/01/2020 Xfinity Center Mansfield, MA
08/06/2020 Blossom Music Center Cuyahoga Falls, OH
08/07/2020 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC
08/08/2020 Coastal Credit Union Raleigh, NC

LEXII ALIJAI BENEFIT
+ featuring Kehlani
7th Street Entry
Wed 02/19/2020 (6pm/$35)
first-avenue.com

We previously mentioned the tragic loss of local Lexii Alijai earlier in January 2020. This upcoming show will benefit the Lexii Alijai Foundation… and to celebrating the young rapper.

Headlined by Kehlani.

More acts to be announced.

SOULFLY
+ Toxic Holocaust
Cabooze Outdoor Plaza
Wed 02/19/2020 (5pm/$20)
cabooze.com

Soulfly is in the middle of their national tour… stopping by the Cabooze in Minneapolis this February 19th.

Show up early to check out Toxic Holocaust. We saw the band in Oct 2019 and said, “Up next was Portland’s Toxic Holocaust. The band looks and plays thrash metal, originally formed in 1999 by singer and songwriter Joel Grind. Currently, the band features drummer Tyler Becker and guitarist Robert Gray (both joining a few years ago).”

Tour dates:

2/08/2020 Phoenix Theater - Petaluma, CA
2/10/2020 El Corazon - Seattle, WA
2/11/2020 Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
2/12/2020 Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
2/14/2020 The Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB
2/15/2020 The Gateway - Calgary, AB
2/16/2020 The Exchange - Regina, SK
2/17/2020 The Park Theatre - Winnipeg, MB
2/19/2020 The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
2/20/2020 The Forge - Joliet, IL
2/21/2020 Route 20 - Racine, WI
2/22/2020 The Apollo Theatre - Belvidere, IL
2/23/2020 The Citadel Music Hall - Indianapolis, IN
2/24/2020 Crafthouse - Pittsburgh, PA
2/25/2020 Rec Room - Buffalo, NY
2/26/2020 Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
2/27/2020 Poor Richards - Chicopee, MA
2/28/2020 Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
2/29/2020 Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY
3/01/2020 Stanhope House - Stanhope, NJ
3/03/2020 Cafe 611 - Fred, MD
3/04/2020 The Pour House Music Hall - Raleigh, NC
3/05/2020 Capone's - Johnson City, TN
3/06/2020 Masquerade Hell - Atlanta, GA
3/07/2020 Sound Bar - Orlando, FL
3/08/2020 Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
3/10/2020 Tipitina's - New Orleans, LA
3/11/2020 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill - Dallas, TX
3/12/2020 Warehouse Live - Houston, TX

REUBEN AND THE DARK
+ Faux Prix
7th St Entry
Wed 02/19/2020 (7pm/$12)
first-avenue.com

Reuben and the Dark will be stopping by the 7th Street Entry on February 19th, as part of their un | love album tour. The record is out now on Arts & Crafts.

Tour dates:

Feb 7 - Stittsville, ON - The Rainmaker Brewhouse
Feb 8 - Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre
Feb 10 - Quebec, QC - L'Anti
Feb 12 - Montreal, QC - Le Petit Campus
Feb 13 - Paris ON - Dominion Telegraph
Feb 14 - Toronto, ON - The Great Hall
Feb 18 - Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern
Feb 19 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
Feb 22 - Saskatoon, SK - Broadway Theatre
Feb 25 - Swift Current, SK - Lyric Theatre
Feb 26 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
Feb 28 - Calgary, AB - Palace Theatre
Feb 29 - Lethbridge, AB - Southminster United Church
Mar 2 - Kamloops, BC - Pavilion Theatre
Mar 4 - Victoria, BC - Capital Ballroom
Mar 5 - Vancouver, BC - Imperial
Mar 6 - Mission, BC - Copper Hall
Mar 7 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
Mar 8 - Seattle, WA - Sunset Tavern
Mar 10 - Nelson, BC - Hume Hotel Spirit Bar
Mar 14 - Boston, MA - Sinclair *
Mar 16 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade *
Mar 17 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's *
Mar 18 - Washington, DC - U Street Music Hall *
Mar 20 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot & Saddle *


*with Mondo Cozmo

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: July 11 to July 13, 2019

Basilica Block Party 2019 Read More Basilica Block Party We like the annual Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis, so we always make sure they get the spotlight whenever we do these previews. They always bring in some really good bands .... Dawes The three-hour evening was opened by Los Angeles-based Dawes, who considers Minneapolis one of their strongest markets, in a solid hour-long set of their own. … Chvrches Chvrches’ third album Love is Dead reached the Billboard Top Rock and Alternative charts at #1 and #11 overall. ... Metric I've seen Metric twice (four times if you count Emily Haines solo or Broken Social Scene), so you know I love this little Canadian band. Their Rock the Garden's set was very similar to their …

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from July 11 to July 13, 2019.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

BASILICA BLOCK PARTY
Basilica St. Mary
Fri 07/12/2019 (5pm/$70)
Sat 07/13/2019 (5pm/$70)
basilicablockparty.org

The 25th Annual Basilica Block Party is taking place this July 12-13. As usual, the Minneapolis music festival is bringing in some of the national musical acts to the Twin Cities.

Kacey Musgraves and Dawes to be the highlight on Friday, while Jason Mraz and Hanson to take Saturday.

Personally speaking though, we like the medium stage, particularly Semisonic and The Jayhawks (for Friday) and Chvrches and Metric (for Saturday).

The last time we saw Chvrches, we noted, “Martin Doherty summed it up on stage, ‘It’s nice to be back. Time and time again, you keep selling out every time we come here. Thank you for that.’”

Schedule:

FRIDAY Great Clips Stage Kacey Musgraves Dawes Anderson East Ruston Kelly PreferredOne Stage Semisonic The Jayhawks Yam Haus Star Tribune Stage Kiss The Tiger Annie Mack McNasty Brass Band

SATURDAY Great Clips Stage Jason Mraz Hanson Johnnyswim Lissie PreferredOne Stage Chvrches Metric Flora Cash Star Tribune Stage Static Panic The Bad Man Michael Shynes

Other shows in the area:

This is the Kit 2019 Tour Iration at First Ave The Struts at the Palace Chase Atlantic 2019 Tour Lakefront Music Fest 2019 Read More This Is The Kit On this tour, This Is the Kit (Kate Stables) is joined by bassist Jesse Vernon and drummer Jamie Whitby-Coles. She started off with a solo song ‘Easy on the Thieves’, then as a trio, then back to solo with ‘All Written out in Numbers’. … The Struts Breakout U.K. band The Struts will be stopping by First Avenue this September 17th, in support of their hit Have You Heard EP (Interscope Records), with single "Could Have Been Me". …

THIS IS THE KIT
+ Nelson Devereaux
Turf Club
Thu 07/11/2019 (7pm/$16)
turfclub.net

Kate Stables (aka This Is The Kit) returns to the Turf Club this July 11th. We last saw her in Oct 2017 and said, “On this tour, This Is the Kit (Kate Stables) is joined by bassist Jesse Vernon and drummer Jamie Whitby-Coles. She started off with a solo song ‘Easy on the Thieves’, then as a trio, then back to solo with ‘All Written out in Numbers’. Stables often tuned between songs, making for awkward unfinished stories and comments. She played acoustic guitar, but it seemed like she’s most comfortable when she’s plucking on her banjo.”

Nelson Devereaux and the Style Band to open.

Tour Dates

07/09/2019 Drake Hotel Toronto, ON
07/10/2019 Constellation Chicago, IL
07/11/2019 Turf Club Saint Paul, MN
07/16/2019 Moroccan Lounge Los Angeles, CA
07/18/2019 Mississippi Studios Portland, OR
08/10/2019 Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff,
08/11/2019 Boileroom Guildford

IRATION
+ Pepper, Katastro, Fortunate Youth
First Avenue
Sat 07/13/2019 (6pm/$27)
first-avenue.com

Reggae-influenced alternative rock band Iration will be headlining First Avenue as part of their “Live From Paradise!” tour.

Show up early to check out California-based band Pepper, who we previously mentioned played with Less Than Jake in Feb 2017.

Tour dates:

July 11 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
July 12 Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
July 13 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
July 14 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
July 17 Utica, NY @ Saranac Brewery
July 18 Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
July 19 New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
July 20 Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
July 21 Baltimore, MD @ Mecu Pavilion
July 25 North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
July 26 Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
July 27 St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amph
July 28 Cocoa, FL @ Cocoa Beach Riverfront Park
July 30 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
August 2 Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheater
August 3 Del Mar, CA @ Del Mar Summers**
August 7 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades+
August 8 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades+
August 9 Fresno, CA @ Woodward Park Rotary+
August 15 Spokane, WA @ The Knitting Factory+
August 16 Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewing Amph
August 17 Boise, ID @ Botanical Gardens Outlaw Field
August 18 Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion
August 21 Redmond, WA @ Marymoor Park Amph
August 23 Stateline, NV@ Montbleu Amphitheater
August 24 Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Beach~
August 25 Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
September 14 Glen Ellen, CA @ Sonoma Harvest Festival**

** indicates non-"Live From Paradise!" tour dates
+ indicates Pepper not on the lineup
~ indicates Fortunate Youth not on the lineup

THE STRUTS
+ The Glorious Sons
Palace Theatre
Sat 07/13/2019 (6:30pm/$29.50)
palacestpaul.com

Rock band The Struts is back! The UK group released YOUNG&DANGEROUS last year on Interscope Records.

Tour dates:

July 5 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
July 8 Portland, OR Roseland Theater*
July 9 Seattle, WA Showbox*
July 10 Missoula, MT The Wilma*
July 13 Saint Paul, MN Palace Theatre*
July 15 Des Moines, IA Water Works Park*
July 16 Indianapolis, IN Old National Centre*
July 17 Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works*
July 19 Detroit, MI The Fillmore*
July 20 Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe Live*
July 21 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE*
July 25 Buffalo, NY TBA*
July 26 Utica, NY Saranac Brewery*
July 27 New York, NY Pier 17*
July 28 Mount Pocono, PA Mount Airy Casino
July 30 Boston, MA House of Blues*
August 4 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
August 6 Dewey Beach, DE Bottle & Cork*
August 7 Washington, DC 930 Club*
September 21 Asbury Park, NJ Sea Hear Now Festival

~Des Rocs supports
*The Glorious Sons support

CHASE ATLANTIC
Varsity Theater
Sat 07/13/2019 (6pm/$18)
varsitytheater.com

Emerging alt-pop act Chase Atlantic is currently on a massive tour in support of their sophomore album Phases (BMG/MDDN).

The last time the Australian trio (Mitchel Cave, Clinton Cave, and Christian Anthony) were in town was with Lights in March 2018.

Tour dates:

7/05 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
7/06 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
7/08 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
7/09 – Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
7/11 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
7/13 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
7/15 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
7/16 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe
7/18 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
7/19 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
7/20 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
7/22 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
7/23 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
7/25 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore

LAKEFRONT MUSIC FEST
Lakefront Park
Fri 07/12/2019 (6pm/$45)
Sat 07/13/2019 (6pm/$45)
lakefrontmusicfest.com

The 10th annual Lakefront Music Fest is taking place this July 12-13th.

FRIDAY Steve Miller Band Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

SATURDAY Brad Paisley Riley Green Chris Lane

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

The Jayhawks w/ Chastity Brown, Tuomo & Markus at First Avenue, Minneapolis (21 Dec 2018)

Jayhawks at First Ave Jayhawks Setlist I'm Gonna Make You Love Me Ain't No End Quiet Corners & Empty Spaces Waiting for the Sun Everybody Knows (Dixie Chicks cover) Tampa to Tulsa Baltimore Sun Trouble Dying on the Vine I'd Run Away Bottomless Cup Smile Leaving the Monsters Big Star Gonna Be a Darkness A Break in the Clouds Backwards Women All the Right Reasons Long Time Ago Come Cryin' to Me Nothing Left to Borrow Tailspin Blue -- Encore -- Settled Broken Harpoon I'm Down to My Last Cigarette (Billy Walker cover) Haywire Until You Came Along (Golden Smog cover) Bad Time (Grand Funk Railroad cover) Chastity Brown Setlist Lost Lies Colorado Drive Slow Carried Away Wake Up Mad Love Tuomo & Markus Setlist What Are You Looking For? Spinsters Vanity Blinds Over the Rooftops America (Prince and The Revolution cover) Jayhawks Tour Dates 01/17/2019 Swyer Theatre Albany, NY 01/18/2019 Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY 01/19/2019 Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY Read More The Jayhawks The show was advertised as Gary Louris and Friends. For those that don't know Gary, he is one of the founding members of the Jayhawks. They have a new CD coming in September, which involves the reunion with Mark Olson. … Chastity Brown Chastity Brown played almost everything from her Back-Road Highways album, as you can see from the setlist. The band is joined on stage by Aby Wolf (for "Solely" and "Slow Time") and Hummingbirds (for "Say It" ...

The first day of Winter means the longest night of the year to us here in the Northern Hemisphere and there was no better place than to be inside of the Mainroom at First Avenue in Minneapolis, for the first of two shows from the band that has played that stage more times than any other, The Jayhawks.

The three-band evening began with a crisp set from Tuomo & Markus, a new project described as Nordic Americana from Finnish soul/jazz artist Tuomo Prättälä and singer/songwriter Markus Nordenstreng of The Latebirds. Performing as just a duo, the pair returns as a proper six-piece, in just a few weeks, in support of debut album Dead Circles, to headline the Cedar Cultural Center on January 18.

Playing the songs in a more stripped down nature, it was easy to focus more on their lyrics, Simon and Garfunkel-like delicate harmonies, and the laid back nature of songs like ‘Spinsters’ (about male not female), ‘Vanity Blinds’ (borne from an existential crisis brought on by impending fatherhood), and ‘Over the Rooftops’, co-written with their local friend, explaining it by saying, “If you need a chorus, you call Louris”.

We’ve predictably heard a lot of Prince covers in the room over the last two and a half years since he passed, but few more inventively done than the pair’s version of 1985’s ‘America’ - “I was aware of a short little man who has done a lot in this club” Nordenstreng humbly prefaced the song, also mentioning the many other Minnesota bands he grew up listening to, half a world away.

The South-meets-North combination of roots and soul from local (by-way-of Tennessee) singer/songwriter Chastity Brown has served her and the area music community, increasingly well. Still in support of last year’s Silhouette of Sirens (Red House Records), she’s been an honest and genuine artist who showcased her latest songs with her band on their final show of the year, complete with cello and violin, and co-vocalist Aby Wolf (the area’s go-to choice for vocals- if I needed a new answering machine message, she’s my first choice to record it).

Brown and the band determined their evening’s mission statement pre-show, in the venue’s Green Room- “to be patient, to play pretty, and get a little sexy” and proved it on songs like the opening ‘Lost’, radio single ‘Drive Slow’, and new single, written in response to a chance encounter with a biased white supremacist, ‘Mad Love’.

“We treat the stage as a front porch” Brown mentioned mid-set, and the friendly vibe of her and her band playing to some 1,500 Twin Cities neighbors, shone through in her forty-five minute performance.

Since reuniting in 2014 with their 1997-era line up (Gary Louris; Marc Perlman; Karen Grotberg; Tim O'Reagan; John Jackson) The Jayhawks have shown little signs of slowing down, releasing another record of new music this year, Back Roads and Abandoned Motels (Legacy Recordings), a collection of two new songs alongside contributions songwriter Gary Louris wrote for other outside projects.

With thirty-five years of material to draw from, the band’s two-hour fifteen-minute set started on a classic upswing with 2000’s ‘I’m Gonna Make you Love Me’ then dove back to the 1989 Blue Earth album for deep cut, ‘Ain’t No End’, before jumping back ahead twenty-five years to 2016’s ‘Quiet Corners & Empty Spaces’.

Louris, with now fully gray hair, glasses, and goatee (looking more like Gary Oldman) remains in fine form, and the current line-up clearly has a joyful spirit of synchronicity playing together, with drummer O’Reagan and keyboardist Grotberg getting several turns on lead vocals, letting Louris concentrate further on solos.

Louris had mentioned the songs on the new record, though written for others, still “felt in their wheelhouse” and they did seamlessly flow within the set, from The Dixie Chicks’ ‘Everybody Knows’ to “Gonna Be a Darkness’ (“a beautiful song about death” w/Jakob Dylan) to ‘Long Time Ago’ (w/Tonic’s Emerson Hart).

Louris admitted to 1997’s Sound of Lies’ as being one of his favorite records and with that lineup intact, reprised several from the disc including ‘Trouble’, ‘Dying on the Vine’, and ‘Big Star’. Former member and friend of the band Kraig (Run Westy Run) Johnson appeared mid-set, helping out on several tracks then disappeared, to re-emerge toward the show’s end.

An additional three-piece horn section perched in the back stage right corner at the midway point, to liven up songs like ‘Smile’, ’Long Time Ago’, and ‘Come Cryin’ to Me’. “We see them become part of your lives” Louris confessed to the crowd about the band’s many songs, “and it makes me very happy”.

Johnson rejoined for the main set-closing classic ‘Blue’, with the crowd singing along as well, and it wasn’t long before a generous six-song encore began, with Louris playing 1992’s ‘Settled Down Like Rain’ solo. Grotberg then joined him for 2000’s ‘Broken Harpoon’ before taking the lead herself on a Billy Walker cover, but the highlight had to be with Johnson and longtime Soul Asylum guitarist Dan Murphy (looking thinner but very happy) forming “semi-Smog” an almost lineup of alt supergroup Golden Smog (sans Jeff Tweedy) for a version of 1998’s ‘Until You Came Along’.

Pearlman and Johnson next swapped instruments for the closing ‘Bad Time’, a 1975 song from Grand Funk Railroad that The Jayhawks would cover on record twenty years later, and given some extra punch on this night, by the horn section and the additional members on stage.

With over two hours under their belt, a few songs were still missing (notably ‘Save it for a Rainy Day’) but that would just be more motivation to try and make it into the next night’s sold-out show and undoubtedly another solid performance from hometown musical heroes The Jayhawks.

(click on any photo below to enlarge and see full image)

Tuomo and Markus

Tuomo and Markus

Tuomo and Markus

Tuomo and Markus

Chastity Brown

Chastity Brown

Chastity Brown

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks at First Avenue, Minneapolis (21 Dec 2018)

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: December 16 to December 22, 2018

Go Show: Smallpools Read More Smallpools The Great Good Fine OK and Smallpools co-headlining 2018 tour will be stopping by the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown this Thursday. We’ve seen both bands a couple of times, and was pretty excited to see Smallpools ....

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from December 16 to December 22, 2018.

Please note: December 24th is Christmas Eve, and December 25th is Christmas.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

GO SHOW
feat. Smallpools
+ The Orphan The Poet
Fine Line Music Cafe
Tue 12/18/2018 (7pm/$19.96)
finelinemusic.com

Go 96.3 presents Go Show, featuring Smallpools and The Orphan The Poet.

We first caught Smallpools in July 2013 and said, “The turnout to last night show was incredible, especially for a Wednesday. Fans packed in early (always a good sign when there is a line before the doors open), because there were a lot of cross-over fans who wanted to see Smallpools as well as San Cisco. From my understanding, this was Smallpools' very first national tour, so they were quite excited to play Minneapolis for the first time.”

Tour Dates:

12/18/18 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Café
03/08/19 - Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl ATL
03/09/19 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
03/11/19 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
03/12/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
03/13/19 - Washington, DC @ The 9:30Club
03/14/19 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

Other shows in the area:

Valley Maker 2018 Tour Singles Going Steady OSP at 7th Street Entry Jayhawks at First Ave Read More Valley Maker Seattle's Valley Maker (singer-songwriter Austin Crane) is stopping by the Icehouse in Minneapolis, in support of his LP When I Was A Child (Brick Lane Records). … The Jayhawks The show was advertised as Gary Louris and Friends. For those that don't know Gary, he is one of the founding members of the Jayhawks. They have a new CD coming in September, which involves the reunion with Mark Olson. …

VALLEY MAKER
+ Savannah Smith, Dreamspook
7th St Entry
Sun 12/16/2018 (7pm/$10)
first-avenue.com

Seattle-based Valley Maker (aka Austin Crane) will be back at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 16th, in support of his album Rhododendron (Frenchkiss Records).

Minneapolis’ ukulele lover Savannah Smith and Dreamspook (aka Gabriel Jorgensen) to open.

Tour Dates:

12/10: Cafe du Nord - San Francisco, CA
12/11: Resident - Los Angeles, CA
12/12: Soda Bar - San Diego, CA
12/14: The Hideout - Chicago, IL
12/15: The Back Room - Milwaukee, WI
12/16: 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN

ZIG ZAG WANDERER
+ American Cream, Otto Van, France Camp
7th St Entry
Mon 12/17/2018 (7:30pm/$7)
first-avenue.com

For a good time on Monday, come check out local bands Zig Zag Wanderer, American Cream, Otto Van, and France Camp

Additional details:

Zig Zag Wanderer with France Camp, American Cream Band, and Otto Van in the 7th St Entry

Tickets → bit.ly/2yJL4yp
General Admission: $7
18+ / ID Required

An excellent evening of space rock and psychedelia along with some killer visuals for each performance!!!!!

SINGLES GOING STEADY
feat. Ryan and Pony, Benjamin Cartel, and Saint Small
+ Revenge Wedding, Kris Gruen
Turf Club
Wed 12/19/2018 (7pm/$10)
turfclub.net

The upcoming “Singles Going Steady”, a singles-release party will be featuring Ryan and Pony, Benjamin Cartel (from KaiserCartel), and Saint Small.

Down in the Clown Lounge (underneath the Turf Club), will feature Revenge Wedding and Kris Gruen.

Details:

Singles Going Steady: A Night of Single Releases
at the Turf Club and Clown Lounge
ft. Ryan And Pony, Benjamin Cartel, and Saint Small
w/ The Revenge Wedding and Kris Gruen


Tickets → bit.ly/2JuUYry
General Admission: $10.00 advance / $12.00 day of show
21+ | ID Required

OSP
+ DJ Big Reece, Aul Purpis, Edupoetic, DisputeOne
7th St Entry
Thu 12/20/2018 (7pm/$10)
varsitytheater.com

Veteran of the Minneapolis Hip-Hop culture, Robert “OSP" French is headlining this local show at the 7th Street Entry on Thursday, December 20, with friends DJ Big Reece, Aul Purpis, Edupoetic, and DisputeOne (formerly Extreme).

Details

Syrka Records is proud to present OSP: Authentic, Not Augmented record release event Thursday, December 20th at 7th Street Entry.

Featuring DJ BIG REECE and Special guests EDUPOETIC, DISPUTEONE and Philadelphias’ AUL PURPIS.

Doors: 7pm
Music: 8pm
$10 Advance
$12 Day of Show
18+ | ID Required

THE JAYHAWKS
+ Chastity Brown, Tuomo & Markus
First Avenue
Fri 12/21/2018 (7pm/$35)
Sat 12/22/2018 (7pm/$35)
first-avenue.com

Local favorites The Jayhawks will be doing a double-night holiday hometown show at First Avenue’s mainroom on Friday, December 21 and Saturday, December 22.

Chastity Brown will open December 21, while Thomas Abban will open December 22.

Details:

The Current presents The Jayhawks at First Avenue for two nights of music with Chastity Brown on December 21 and Thomas Abban on December 22.

$35 / 7 PM Doors / 9 PM Show / 18+

The Jayhawks and their rootsy sound were definitely swimming against the tide when they emerged from a crowded Minnesota music scene in 1985. Over the course of two decades, 9 albums, countless memorable live shows and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers in the process.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: December 27 to December 31, 2016

We’re closing out the year with these Minneapolis/St Paul shows from December 27 to December 31, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Spooky Ghost Two local bands opened up the show, starting with duo Spooky Ghost (Jesse Pedersen and Jordan)... although for their live setup, they had a full backing band. They spent most of the time in near darkness with a party light. …

COLIN CAMPBELL & THE SHACKLETONS
at 7th Street Entry
Tuesday, 12/27/16, 7pm ($10)
first-avenue.com

Rock and blues band Colin Campbell & the Shackletons’ The Horizon Lines EP release show is on Tuesday at the 7th Street Entry.

Of course, the family band is fronted by guitarist/singer Colin Campbell, along with his older brother, Cameron on bass, and younger brother Evan on drums.

Helping them celebrate will be Early Eyes, Newstrange, and Spooky Ghost (not to be confused with Massachusetts’ Spooky Ghosts). We previously saw Spooky Ghost in 2015 when they were brand new and wrote:

“Starting with duo Spooky Ghost (Jesse Pedersen and Jordan)... although for their live setup, they had a full backing band. They spent most of the time in near darkness with a party light. The band seemed really new, so far, only the song "Brooklyn Girls" is available on their Bandcamp.”

$10 advance, $13 at the door.

Additional details below:

Come out to the 7th St. Entry to celebrate the release of The Horizon Lines EP. Every person in the club will get THE NEW EP FOR FREE! We will also be joined by our friends: Early Eyes, Newstrange, and Spooky Ghost! Tickets are $10 presale and $13 at the door. Shoot me (Colin) a message and I will hand deliver you a hard copy ticket. This event is 18+ (Sorry minors, you can get in if you have a parent with you!) Tell your friends, it should be a fun one. See you at the rock show!

Read More Claps Formed only two years ago, Claps is a trio from St Paul. What's interesting about them is that only two members actually play synthesizers or bass, while the lead concentrate on the lyrics and dance moves. … Real Numbers Slumberland Records’ signee Real Numbers is having their Worldess Wonder record release party this Saturday, November 27th. All proceeds will be donated to Free2Be to help LGBTQ youth. …

CLAPS
at 7th Street Entry
Thursday, 12/29/16, 8pm ($6)
first-avenue.com

Join local Minneapolis synthy three-piece Claps (Patrick, Jed, and Sara) as they close out the year at this show on December 29th. The band has a deep love for Depeche Mode, OMD and Joy Division (so no doubt they were probably at the Peter Hook show earlier this year).

We previously wrote about Claps in 2011 and described them as forming in 2009 and featured two synth players. Their debut album Wreck is out now.

Show up early to check out Slumberland Records’ Real Numbers as they play some songs from their album Wordless Wonder, which came out earlier in October.

Also on the bill are Posh Lost (formerly called Gloss) and Zina. Additional details below:

CLAPS - mpls synth rockers reconvene for a RARE SHOW with a night of local pop sensations including.....

Real Numbers - they aren't called real for nothing - 💯 💯 back from the past punk leads with summer beach night vibes coming at you straight from some total dreamboats

Posh Lost - baby its coldwave outside and it will be in here too. dreamy post punkers will sing you sad songs about today.

Zina - synthpop ex·tra·or·di·naire. already a sensation to me, these songs will catch you when you fall.

7th st. entry
thursday, dec. 29th
8pm
18+
$6

Read More King If Prince was still alive he would be seeing Grammy winning trio King at the Dakota Jazz Club this October 10th. The trio’s debut record We Are King was declared “Best Of 2016 So Far” by Time ... tiny deaths Minneapolis natives Tiny Deaths (stylized as tiny deaths) opened up with a captivating forty minute set. Tiny Deaths has a very dream-like feeling to them but they keep it interesting with their many …

KING
at Fine Line Music Cafe
Saturday, 12/31/16, 8pm ($20)
finelinemusic.com

The Los Angeles-based Grammy winning trio King (Paris and Amber Strother, and Anita Bias) is celebrating New Year at the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis this December 31st. This should be a special show, as we previously caught the group at the Dakota Jazz Club in October and noted that they had a ton of friends and family in attendance, showing support and love for the singers. If Prince was alive, he would also be at this show.

Special guests tiny deaths, K.Raydio, and DJ Willie Shu to open.

Additional details:

Minneapolis! Come spend New Year's Eve with us at Fine Line Music Café. We'll be joined by our friends tiny deaths, K.Raydio and DJ Willie Shu.

Other shows in the area:

12/28/16 Comedian Jeff Dunham will be headlining the Target Center. Come see him do his hilarious entire dysfunctional puppet family (Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Little Jeff and Achmed the Dead Terrorist). As usual prices at these big event will run you at least $50 and above. Show up early, as these shows starts on time and there may be a long wait at the security checkpoint.

12/29/16 Local favorites The Jayhawks and Two Harbors will be playing at First Avenue.

12/30/16 Did you miss Iffy reunion last year? Here is your second chance to see them with Dirty Frames at the Turf Club in St Paul. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

vu (vu@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis: January 2 to January 5, 2016

Read More The Jayhawks The show was advertised as Gary Louris and Friends. For those that don't know Gary, he is one of the founding members of the Jayhawks. They have a new CD coming in September, which involves the reunion with Mark Olson. … Red Daughters Opening up was Minneapolis' Red Daughters. The thing about this five-piece band is that the drummer does most of the singing. Didn't really know their songs …

Can you believe 2015 is almost over? With January 1st as a holiday, here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from January 2 to January 5, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

THE JAYHAWKS
with Red Daughters
at First Avenue
Saturday, 01/02/16, 7:30pm ($30)
Presented by: 89.3 The Current
first-avenue.com

We got an unexpected preview of The Jayhawks' new album when we caught Gary Louris at Loring Park last year.

Louris explained, “The real reason we’re playing here is that we’re trying out a lot of new songs.”

The album is not exactly out just yet, but it's very close. Should you pre-order the yet-to-be-titled album at pledgemusic.com, you are allowed access to hearing some demos and studio recording.

Can't wait to hear the new songs? We're almost sure that The Jayhawks will be playing the new songs on this 2016 show.

Opening will be Red Daughters.

Looking for more Jayhawks news? Gary Louris recently teamed up with Django Haskins (of the Old Ceremony) to form Au Pair. Their debut album One-Armed Candy Bear is out now via Sham/Thirty Tigers.

Au Pair will be touring to promote the album:

01/05 - Decatur, GA @ Eddie's Attic
01/09 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle Back Room
01/29 - New York, NY @ Joe's Pub
01/30 - Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
02/05 - Chicago, IL @ Old Town School of Folk Music
02/06 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club

Read More Sonny Knight & The Lakers You may recall that we covered Sonny Knight & The Lakers at the Red Stag Block Party earlier in August 2014. John described the show as a dancing and religious experience .…

TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN
featuring Sonny Knight and the Lakers
with Fred Wesley and Jabo Starks
at Dakota Jazz Club
Sunday, 01/03/16, 7/9pm ($25-$35)
Monday, 01/04/16, 7/9pm ($25-$35)
dakotacooks.com

Start the year off funky! If you love the late Godfather of Soul and "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business", James Brown, then you owe it to yourself to see this upcoming show featuring Sonny Knight and the Lakers and Fred Wesley and Jabo Starks.

If you're new to the great Sonny Knight, here's our written story about him:

The story goes, if you need a refresher, is that the 66 yr. old Knight recorded his first single with band The Cymbals, in 1965 on New Teenage Records when he was just 17. A stint in the Army, some time spent in the Bay Area, a brief outing with local funk band Haze, and miscellaneous jobs followed, before local group The Valdons were resurrected in 2012 for the initial Secret Stash compilation album, then followed by The Lakers – an overnight success that only took 50 years.

As for Fred Wesley, the American jazz and funk trombonist, is probably best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s and 1970s. His album Let It Flow in 2010 was a tribute to funk master.

Jabo Starks is the drummer in The J.B.'s, who played with Brown and Wesley.

Read More Dubstep Last night was an amazing experience that I would not trade for anything. I would like to think I'm pretty open minded about music. Although I typically listen to metal and pop-punk, there was something .…

MEINONG'S JUNGLE
with Mumukshu, Pysdell, Easyjack
at 7th Street Entry
Tuesday, 01/05/16, 8pm ($5/$7)
first-avenue.com

This is local Meinong's Jungle album release show, for their debut LP Archetype. The recording is 10 improvised songs... expect similar treatment to their live set, which is totally improvised.

Here's how they describe the upcoming show:

Meinong's Jungle is proud to bring you their first full length release, "Archetype." A collection of 10 improvised tracks recorded at Hideaway Studio in NE Minneapolis. You can expect our set to be similar to the style of the album, but a completely different musical venture.

We are lucky to have support from:

Mumukshu - Psybeat head

Psydell - a young producer out of the Midwest, who is blurring the lines between psychedelic soundscapes and heavy hitting bass music. With so much time and consideration being put into the carefully sculpted sound, it brings an essence of intelligence while still delivering the highest energy. Over the past few years he has shared the stage with artists such as Tipper, Opiuo, Desert Dwellers, Mr. Bill, Papadosio, Haywyre, Spankalicious and many more. With the release of his first EP, Overview in Jan. of 2015, as well as numerous singles and remixes (one of which took first place in the Wildlight (Polish Ambassador) remix contest), this artist is pushing through the limitations of a single genre and propelling the weird bass scene forward, one drippy drop at a time.

Easyjack - a Producer/Bass Scientist/Multi-instrumentalist/Funktion One Tech from Chicago, IL

Doors at 8. Music starts at 9.

Set Times:
Easyjack 9:00pm
Psydell 10:00pm
Mumukshu 11:00pm
Meinong's Jungle 12:00am

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

Gary Louris & friends (The Jayhawks) at Loring Park, Minneapolis (27 July 2015)

photo courtesy of Walker Art Center Setlist I'd Run Away Stumbling Through the Dark Useless Creatures* Lovers of the Sun* Waiting for the Sun Isabel's Daughter* Need You Tonight* Ace* I'm Gonna Make You Love Me Quiet Corners and Empty Spaces* Pretty Roses in Your Hair* Blue Comeback Kids* Save It For A Rainy Day 9 More Days* Tailspin * new song Tour Dates 08/15/15 Omaha, NE "Maha Music Festival" 08/24/15 Fish Creek, WI Door Community 09/10/15 Wilmington, DE World Cafe Live 09/11/15 Lancaster, PA Chameleon 09/12/15 Lockn' - Interlocking Music Festival 09/19/15 Saint Charles, IL Arcada Theatre Read More Walker Art Center The Walker's Summer Music & Movies event is kicking off next week at Loring Park. Before the 1968 film Barbarella, Jayhawks' Gary Louris and friends …

Monday meant movies, music… and Jayhawks?!

Gary Louris

The recent installment of The Walker Art Center’s Summer Music & Movies in Loring Park had paired Gary Louris with the ‘60s sci-fi camp classic, Barbarella; but it became a not-so-secret secret earlier in the afternoon, that it would actually be The Jayhawks playing a free show before the Roger Vadim movie was shown.  And, park goers got an extra-special treat in getting to hear no less than nine new songs, from the next Jayhawks album.

The Music & Movies event itself runs just a month on Monday evenings, with next Monday’s August 17 closing event featuring Lotte Reiniger’s silent animated The Adventures of Prince Achmed  with a live score by Mark McGee’s ensemble MAKR’s Coven.

The Jayhawks had actually played this event prior, way back in 1986, though the current incarnation is the so-called ‘90s version of the band - Gary Louris: guitar, vocals; Tim O'Reagan: drums, backing vocals; Karen Grotberg: keyboards, backing vocals; Marc Perlman: bass; and Kraig Johnson: guitar; and hadn’t played live since a Pamplona, Spain festival show in mid-April.

Starting with 1995’s ‘I’d Run Away’, people bobbed and nodded from their blankets, snacking on chips and home-brought sandwiches under draping trees, with some getting up to dance on either side of the small outdoor stage.  This year’s event theme was “Bigger than Life” and that became apparent as Louris and co. tuned up for song three of their hour-long set on this windy, warm evening.

“The real reason we’re playing here is that we’re trying out a lot of new songs”, Louris confessed to applause, saying the band would be convening in September to record their new album.  ‘Useless Creatures’  (about “underpaid high school teachers”, Louris said) had a whimsical, swirling guitar riff anchoring it; while ‘Lovers of the Sun’ played on a Beach Boys vibe and the group’s exact harmonies, to be a potentially ideal summer song, and led perfectly into hit, ‘Waiting for the Sun’.

‘Isabel’s Daughter’ sounded just like the band’s mid ‘90s work, with jangly guitars and Grothberg helping on vocals, and ‘Need You Tonight’ wasn’t the INXS song, but a folky quieter number Louris wrote while  in Nashville. ‘Ace’ was not a tribute to the Kiss guitarist, but an echo’d, reverb’d song with a dark edge to its lyrics.

Setlist

Despite its title, ‘Quiet Corners and Empty Spaces’ was the most up tempo of the new songs and eminently hummable, after which Louris stated his “no shorts on stage” rule for band members, to crowd laughter. ‘Pretty Roses in your Hair’ was a slow churner that fellow MN band Low could easily guest on,  and the new ‘Comeback Kids’ featured plenty of harmonica and a guitar riff perfect for driving.

The new ‘9 More Days’ was written about a long distance relationship, with Louris mentioning it was bassist Perlman’s birthday the next day (though that had nothing to do with the song) before the band ended with 2003’s ‘Tailspin’.

This Monday evening was anything but a tailspin as everyone present felt fortunate to hear not only their favorite Jayhawks songs, but also be among the first to hear almost a new album’s worth of brand new songs for the first time live – a perfect cure for any Monday blues.

Gary Louris & friends (The Jayhawks) at Loring Park, Minneapolis (27 July 2015)

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com