W♥M

Toad the Wet Sprocket at The Fillmore (09/09/2023)

09/09 Toad the Wet Sprocket at Fillmore Toad the Wet Sprocket Setlist Windmills Come Down California Wasted Crowing Hold On Nanci Whatever I Fear All I Want The Moment Dam Would Break Fly From Heaven Pray Your Gods Nightingale Song Crazy Life Something's Always Wrong Walk on the Ocean Fall Down I Will Not Take These Things for Granted Verve Pipe Setlist No One's Gonna Break This Heart (Again) Photograph Cup of Tea Hero Found Colorful Never Let You Down The Freshmen Happiness Is The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover) Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows...

The 90’s paid a visit to The Fillmore with Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Verve Pipe playing their hits from the era.

To start off the evening was a steady stream of 90’s songs playing over the main speakers as the crowd filtered in. It was a seated affair. The person at the ticket office had to explain it to me twice for all the concerts I had been to before at the Fillmore were standing and always packed.

I’m not sure why there were chairs, but it brought about some pre-show entertainment as concertgoers played musical chairs in my section as they tried to find their seats.

The Verve Pipe opened the evening with a rousing rendition of “No One’s Gonna Break This Heart (Again)” from their self-titled album. They followed with “Cup of Tea” from their breakout album Villains.

“We had a hay day in the 90’s” said lead singer and songwriter Brian Vander Ark. He added it has been tough selling his newer music at present, but was glad to keep doing so. He also said he has written a lot of songs for movies that people have never seen. One exception was “Colorful” from Rockstar.

When they played “Freshman” the crowd sang along, but when they finished with Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” the crowd rose to their feet. It was quite a cover that allowed the band to lean into their interpretation of the iconic song.

We last saw Toad the Wet Sprocket at Mill City Night in July of 2015 and they were back to play their hits.

A fun moment at the beginning was seeing a spry older gentleman, bespeckled, crawling on his knees, trying to find a bad cord during “California Wasted.” When he resolved the issue and dashed off stage, he received a round of applause. “John Edmond” announced the lead singer, Glen Phillips. Phillips said Edmond was their sound and tour manager and at one time toured with Howard Jones.

By the fifth song the band took a moment to play a song from their latest album Starting Now. The song was “Hold On” and Phillips said every band should have a song called “Hold On” and “Photograph” which they still needed to write.

After the cheerful “Nanci”, Phillips and bassist, Dean Dinning, had a brief chat about their day. Phillips then gave a shout out for Iron Chef Yia Vang and his Union Hmong Kitchen, which Phillips visited earlier.

Then it was back to the hits, which made watching the crowd an enjoyable exercise. It’s not often you get to see guys in their sixties sing along to “Whatever I Fear” with a misty look in their eyes. It was fun to see a mom jump up to dance to “All I want” while her teenage son remained seated with chagrin.

“This is the part of the show to stand,” said Phillips as the crowd rose to their feet with the band finishing with “Nightingale Song” “Something’s Always Wrong” “Walk on the Ocean” and “Fall Down.”

Fun Fact: It’s not often you see performers without shoes, but that was the case with Phillips. I thought it might have been a casual residue from the pandemic. But a picture from Mill City Nights in 2015 had him in bare feet. Maybe it’s a requirement for any Santa Barbara musician.

Verve Pipe Verve Pipe Verve Pipe

Toad the Wet Sprocket Toad the Wet Sprocket Toad the Wet Sprocket

Toad the Wet Sprocket at Fillmore, Minneapolis (09 Sep 2023)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Minneapolis: This Week (09/10/2023)

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

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide

09/03 and 09/04 Soul Asylum at Minnesota State Fair Read More Soul Asylum Yeah we knew the tiny 7th Street Entry could not contain all the fans for Soul Asylum, or as we kid that it's just the Dave Pirner band.... Both dates at 7th Street Entry …

09/03/2023 Sunday
09/04/2023 Monday

Soul Asylum
at Minnesota State Fair
mnstatefair.org

It’s Labor Day, and the place to be is at the Soul Asylum show at the Minnesota State Fair.

Even though it’s just Dave Pirner as the original band member (Dan Murphy retired in 2012, Karl Mueller died in 2005, and drummer Pat Morley left the band for rehab in 1984), we still consider that this is pretty much Soul Asylum.

Soul Asylum (05 Jun 2015)

We caught the band in Jun 2015 and said, “The hits came fast and hard from Soul Asylum as tracks like “Black Gold” and “Just Like Anyone” got everyone moving around and singing along - it’s truly mind-blowing just how jam-packed with hit songs Soul Asylum’s catalogue is. The current line-up, which consists of Pirner, bassist Winston Roye, guitarist Justin Sharbono and Michael Bland on drums, have obvious chemistry which makes for some entertaining moments. Pirner enjoys hamming it up for the crowd, skidding across the stage on his knees and joking around with Bland: “Michael Bland likes it when my ass is hanging out of my pants.””

Tour dates:

Sept 3 Minnesota State Fair
Sept 4 Minnesota State Fair
Sept 21 North Tonawanda NY

Bandshell Tonight! Concert Series Series.

Aug. 24 & 25 The Bacon Brothers 8:30 pm
Aug. 26 & 27 Naturally 7 8:30 pm
Aug. 28 & 29 Drake Milligan 8:30 pm
Aug. 30 & 31 Nikki Lane 8:30 pm
Sept. 1 & 2 Celebrating Meat Loaf 8:30 pm
Sept. 3 & 4 Soul Asylum 7:30 pm

09/02 Surf Curse at 7th St Entry Read More Tove Lo Swedish singer Tove Lo is headlining First Avenue. She won "Artist of the Year" and "Song of the Year" (for "Habits (Stay High)") at the Swedish Grammis earlier this year. Her latest album …

09/05/2023 Tuesday

Tove Lo
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

Originally booked at the Palace Theatre in February 18, 2023… the show has been rescheduled now to take place on September 5, 2023. All tickets purchased for the original show will be honored.

Internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® nominated artist Tove Lo is on tour in support of her fifth studio album Dirt Femme.

Tove Lo at First Ave (15 Feb 2017)

We saw Tove Lo in Feb 2017 and wrote, “Tove Lo took to the stage wearing a cinched up Beatles t-shirt and in tight yellow zippered racing pants, adorned with album’s title on the back cheeks and the album’s two chapters, Fairy Dust and Fire Fade, down each leg. Like many Swedish dance pop acts, her three-person band included two on percussion with a keyboardist rounding out the group. Fairy Dust refers to the emotional curve of anticipation and euphoria, marked by slower jams, and how she opened with ‘True Disaster’ and the album’s title track.”

Tour dates:

08/12 - Flow Festival - Helsinki, FI^
08/23 - Rock en Seine - Paris, FR^
08/24 – Zürich Openair – Zürich, CH^
08/25 – 08/26 – Feelings Festival – Bergen, NO^
08/28 – All Points East – London, UK^
Sep 5 St. Paul, MN, US Palace Theatre
Sep 6 Chicago, IL, US The Salt Shed
Sep 8 Royal Oak, MI, US Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sep 8 Royal Oak, MI, US Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sep 10 New York (NYC), NY, US Pier 17
Sep 12 Boston, MA, US Roadrunner
Sep 14 Washington, DC, US The Anthem
Sep 15 Washington, DC, US The Atlantis
Sep 15 Outdoor Atlanta, GA, US Music Midtown
Oct 6 Austin, TX, US Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct 9 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US The Bellwether
Oct 10 Santa Ana, CA, US The Observatory

09/07 Pretenders at 7th Street Entry Read More The Pretenders You know we love The Pretenders. We reviewed their last album in November 2016 and said, “On this stellar new album, Chrissie Hynde transitions easily from rockers to ballads as ...

09/07/2023 Thursday

Pretenders
at 7th Street Entry
first-avenue.com

When it was first announced that the legendary band The Pretenders would be playing the tiny 7th Street Entry, you thought it was a joke. But it turned out that it’s true… the band wanted to play small clubs.

So, yeah, as expected, the show is sold out. And best of all… it’s Chrissie Hynde’ birthday (Sep 7).

The Pretenders’ forthcoming studio album, Relentless will be out September 15th.

Tour dates:

08/21 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park *
08/24 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field *
08/26 – Nashville, TN – Blue Room
08/29 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony
08/31 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis
09/03 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre *
09/05 – Detroit, MI – Shelter
09/07 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
09/09 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium *
09/17 – Leicester, UK – BBC Radio 2 In The Park †
09/19 – Paris, FR – Maroquinerie
09/20 – Paris, FR – Maroquinerie
09/21 – Utrecht, NL – Tivoli Vredenburg
09/23 – Hamburg, DE – Reeperbahn Festival †
09/25 – Berlin, DE – Columbia Theatre
10/01 – Dana Point, CA – OHANA Festival †
10/02 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
10/04 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy’s and Harriet’s
10/06 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club

* w/ Guns N’ Roses
† Festival Appearance

09/07 Poppy and PVRIS with Pom Pom Squad at First Avenue Read More Poppy Poppy is an alien. I disagree. Poppy is a YouTube AI creation. I disagree. Poppy is just a made-up ASMR internet meme. I disagree. Poppy is a religious cult leader … Pvris The music of PVRIS is extremely unique in a way that makes them fit on every sort of line-up. They have opened up for poppy bands like The Maine and, most recently … Pom Pom Squad First on this triple-girls bill was Pom Pom Squad. The band did a cover of Weezer’s “Undone (The Sweater Song)” as their penultimate song. They ended their set with “Be Good”. …

09/07/2023 Thursday

Poppy and PVRIS
with Pom Pom Squad
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Internet star Poppy and Massachusetts’ PVRIS are teaming up in a co-headlining Godless / Goddess Tour.

Poppy is touring in support of a forthcoming album Zig, set for release in October 27, 2023, on Sumerian Records.

Poppy (17 Feb 2020)

We previously saw Poppy in Feb 2020 and wrote, “With a male backing band dressed casually all in white, a row of vertical pink neon tubes separating the rhythm section to the back, and a tall mirrored, lighted box framing the petite artist with braided ponytail in a one-shouldered dark ruffled dress, Poppy took to the stage to the opening air raid sirens from the first single from her new record, ‘Concrete’ to begin her sixty-minute headlining set.”

Pvris (31 May 2016)

As for PVRIS, we saw them in May 2016 and said, “The music of PVRIS is extremely unique in a way that makes them fit on every sort of line-up. They have opened up for poppy bands like The Maine and, most recently, they opened up for metalcore act Bring Me The Horizon. Regardless of what genre the headlining act was on their past tours, Pvris was able to stand out and make an impression on the generally young crowds. It was nice to see them headline a show and truly shine through their nearly hour long set.”

Pom Pom Squad (06 Mar 2022)

Also on the bill is Pom Pom Squad, a band that we saw in Mar 2022 and noted, “First on this triple-girls bill was Pom Pom Squad. The band did a cover of Weezer’s “Undone (The Sweater Song)” as their penultimate song. They ended their set with “Be Good”. “

Poppy tour dates:

Aug 20 Portland, OR, US Roseland Theater
Aug 22 San Francisco, CA, US The Regency Ballroom
Aug 22 San Francisco, CA, US The Regency Ballroom
Aug 24 Los Angeles (LA), CA, US The Wiltern
Aug 25 Tempe, AZ, US Marquee Theatre
Aug 25 Live Stream - Live at The Wiltern
Aug 26 Las Vegas, NV, US Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
Aug 28 Salt Lake City, UT, US The Complex - UT
Aug 29 Denver, CO, US Ogden Theatre
Sep 1 San Antonio, TX, US Aztec Theatre
Sep 2 Houston, TX, US House of Blues - Houston
Sep 2 Amora, Portugal Magic Yard
Sep 3 Oklahoma City, OK, US Tower Theatre
Sep 6 Kansas City, MO, US The Truman
Sep 7 Minneapolis, MN, US First Avenue
Sep 8 Chicago, IL, US The Vic Theatre
Sep 9 St Louis, MO, US The Pageant
Sep 10 Columbus, OH, US KEMBA Live!
Sep 12 Canceled Ottawa, ON, Canada Bronson Centre
Sep 13 Pittsburgh, PA, US Roxian Theatre
Sep 14 Cleveland, OH, US House of Blues - Cleveland
Sep 15 Toronto, ON, Canada History
Sep 15 Toronto, ON, Canada History
Nov 26 2024 Postponed Portland, OR, US Roseland Theater

09/07 2nd Annual Tribute to Big Star at Parkway Theater Read More Big Star Big Star is releasing some singles on Record Store Day. This is to coincide with the release of the documentary of Big Star called "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me", which you can check out the …

09/07/2023 Thursday

2nd Annual Tribute to Big Star
at Parkway Theater
theparkwaytheater.com

We previously mentioned the first Big Star Tribute show in Sep 2022 … it looks like the second annual tribute show is taking place this week (September 7, 2023).

Details from online listing:

The legendary Memphis rock band gets a second Minneapolis tribute at The Parkway, following 2022’s anniversary show celebrating its debut album.

This year’s show will again feature more than a dozen local musical acts playing songs from all three Big Star albums and selected solo releases.

Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, and Andy Hummel created one of the most timeless sounds in rock music, and fans such as the Replacements have agreed: they never travel far — without a little Big Star.

Featuring local favorites

Cindy Lawson, Chris Perricelli (Little Man), Dan Israel, Mike & Kiki Lane, Steve Brantseg (The Suburbs), Annie Enneking (Annie and the Bang Bang), Carrie Deans (Heartless), Ben Glaros, Michael Ferrier (Fathom Lane), Brian Just, Joe Fahey, Tommy Bentz, Stephanie Paquin, Maureen Rudd, Theyself, Aaron Seymour, Billy Dankert, Bart Bakker, Scott Allen, Scott Wooldridge, and more!

09/09 Toad the Wet Sprocket at Fillmore Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows...

09/09/2023 Sunday

Toad the Wet Sprocket
at Fillmore
livenation.com

90s favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket is currently on their greatest hits tour… and will stop by the Fillmore in Minneapolis on Sept 9th, 2023. The group remastered their greatest hits album All You Want (Bonus Edition).

Toad the Wet Sprocket (08 Jul 2015)

We caught the band in July 2015 and wrote, “Just a quick history lesson if you're not familiar with this alt-rock/college rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket. They formed in the late 80s, and by the 90s, had some breakout hit singles (including "Walk on the Ocean", "All I Want", "Something's Always Wrong", and "Fall Down"). Various reasons broke up the band in 1998, but officially announced they reformed in 2010.”

Tour dates:

AUG 31 / OJAI, CA @ The Canyon @ The Libby Bowl
SEPT 8 / OMAHA, NE @ Shadow Ridge Music Festival
SEPT 9 / MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ The Fillmore
SEPT 10 / EAU CLAIRE, WI @ Pablo Center
SEPT 11 / TRAVERSE CITY, MI @ City Opera House
SEPT 13 / MADISON, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
SEPT 14 / MILWAUKEE, WI @ The Pabst Theater
SEPT 15 / ROYAL OAK, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
SEPT 16 / DANVILLE, KY @ Norton Center for the Arts
SEPT 19 / MUNHALL, PA @ Carnegie of Homestead
SEPT 21 / FREDERICK, MD @ Weinberg Center
SEPT 22 / NEWPORT, RI @ Jane Pickens Theatre
SEPT 23 / PLYMOUTH, NH @ The Flying Monkey
SEPT 24 / PLYMOUTH, MA @ Plymouth Memorial
SEPT 26 / NEW YORK, NY @ City Winery
SEPT 27 / HARTFORD, CT @ Infinity Music Hall
SEPT 28 / RED BANK, NJ @ The Vogel
SEPT 29 / OCEAN CITY, MD @ Oceans Calling Festival
OCT 1 / CHARLOTTE, NC @ Knight Theater
OCT 2 / CLEARWATER, FL @ Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
OCT 3 / FT. LAUDERDALE, FL @ The Parker
OCT 5 / PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL @ Ponte Vedra
OCT 7 / OPELIKA, AL @ Opelika Songwriters Festival
OCT 8 / NASHVILLE, TN @ City Winery
OCT 9 / HANOVER, MD @ The Hall at Live! Casino
OCT 11 / LOUISVILLE, KY @ Louisville Palace Theatre
OCT 12 / INDIANAPOLIS, IN @ Egyptian Room
OCT 13 / MEMPHIS, TN @ Graceland Soundstage
OCT 14 / MT. VERNON, IL @ Granada Theatre

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

Minneapolis: September 9 to September 11

09/09 Chris Kroeze at Tattersall Distilling River Falls

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

09/09/2023 Saturday

Chris Kroeze
at Tattersall Distilling River Falls
suemclean

Looking for a weekend getaway? Head over to the “Live at Tattersall” show at Tattersall Distilling River Falls in Wisconsin to see Chris Kroeze. This show is produced by Sue McLean and Associates and Total Country BOB FM.

The previous Live at Tattersall show had Minneapolis’ The Cactus Blossoms as headliner, on August 5th.

Tour dates:

Aug 26 Benoit, WI, US White River AG Products, Mason
Sep 9 Tattersall Distilling River Falls
Dec 22 Eau Claire, WI, US Rcu Theatre

09/09 Toad the Wet Sprocket at Fillmore Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows...

09/09/2023 Sunday

Toad the Wet Sprocket
at Fillmore
livenation.com

90s favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket is currently on their greatest hits tour… and will stop by the Fillmore in Minneapolis on Sept 9th, 2023. The group remastered their greatest hits album All You Want (Bonus Edition).

Toad the Wet Sprocket (08 Jul 2015)

We caught the band in July 2015 and wrote, “Just a quick history lesson if you're not familiar with this alt-rock/college rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket. They formed in the late 80s, and by the 90s, had some breakout hit singles (including "Walk on the Ocean", "All I Want", "Something's Always Wrong", and "Fall Down"). Various reasons broke up the band in 1998, but officially announced they reformed in 2010.”

Tour dates:

AUG 31 / OJAI, CA @ The Canyon @ The Libby Bowl
SEPT 8 / OMAHA, NE @ Shadow Ridge Music Festival
SEPT 9 / MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ The Fillmore
SEPT 10 / EAU CLAIRE, WI @ Pablo Center
SEPT 11 / TRAVERSE CITY, MI @ City Opera House
SEPT 13 / MADISON, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
SEPT 14 / MILWAUKEE, WI @ The Pabst Theater
SEPT 15 / ROYAL OAK, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
SEPT 16 / DANVILLE, KY @ Norton Center for the Arts
SEPT 19 / MUNHALL, PA @ Carnegie of Homestead
SEPT 21 / FREDERICK, MD @ Weinberg Center
SEPT 22 / NEWPORT, RI @ Jane Pickens Theatre
SEPT 23 / PLYMOUTH, NH @ The Flying Monkey
SEPT 24 / PLYMOUTH, MA @ Plymouth Memorial
SEPT 26 / NEW YORK, NY @ City Winery
SEPT 27 / HARTFORD, CT @ Infinity Music Hall
SEPT 28 / RED BANK, NJ @ The Vogel
SEPT 29 / OCEAN CITY, MD @ Oceans Calling Festival
OCT 1 / CHARLOTTE, NC @ Knight Theater
OCT 2 / CLEARWATER, FL @ Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
OCT 3 / FT. LAUDERDALE, FL @ The Parker
OCT 5 / PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL @ Ponte Vedra
OCT 7 / OPELIKA, AL @ Opelika Songwriters Festival
OCT 8 / NASHVILLE, TN @ City Winery
OCT 9 / HANOVER, MD @ The Hall at Live! Casino
OCT 11 / LOUISVILLE, KY @ Louisville Palace Theatre
OCT 12 / INDIANAPOLIS, IN @ Egyptian Room
OCT 13 / MEMPHIS, TN @ Graceland Soundstage
OCT 14 / MT. VERNON, IL @ Granada Theatre

09/10 Stephen Marley at First Avenue Read More Stephen Marley Stephen Marley was up first. His style is very close to that of his father's which made the many covers of Bob that he did fit in so much better. Everything about his set …

09/10/2023 Sunday

Stephen Marley
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Stephen Marley is heading out on tour in support of his fifth solo album, Old Soul… his first LP since 2016.

Stephen Marley (12 Sep 2015)

We previously saw Stephen Marley in Sep 2015 and wrote, “Stephen Marley was up first. His style is very close to that of his father's which made the many covers of Bob that he did fit in so much better. Everything about his set was very calm and refreshing. Stephen played many songs off of his 2007 album Mind Control, that had won the Grammy for best reggae album that year, along with many songs off of his newer releases. No matter what original song or cover he did, Stephen stayed true to his sound and to the calmness and fun that reggae should be.”

Tour dates:

Fri Sep 8 Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue Theatre
Sat Sep 9 Mundelein, IL - Miracle in Mundelein
Sun Sep 10 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Mon Sep 11 Fargo, ND - Outdoors at Fargo Brewing
Thu Sep 14 Seattle, WA - The Showbox
Sat Sep 16 Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre
Sun Sep 17 Victoria, BC - Rifflandia Festival
Tue Sep 19 Bend, OR - Midtown Ballroom
Thu Sep 21 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
Fri Sep 22 Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst Club
Sat Sep 23 Ventura, CA - Ventura Music Hall
Sun Sep 24 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy Theatre
Mon Sep 25 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
Thu Oct 12 Beverly, MA - Cabot Theatre *
Fri Oct 13 Plymouth, NH - The Flying Monkey *
Sun Oct 15 Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre *
Tue Oct 17 Englewood, NJ - Bergen PAC *
Wed Oct 18 Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore *
Fri Oct 20 Norfolk, VA - NorVa *
Sat Oct 21 Columbia, SC - The Senate *
Sun Oct 22 Atlanta, GA - Center Stage *

* with Mike Love

09/11 Train with Parmalee at Surly Brewing Festival Field Read More Train Remember Train? The San Francisco band blew up with hit singles like "Meet Virginia" and "Hey, Soul Sister"? Well the band was on tour for most of 2012 with Mat Kearney for their sixth studio …

09/11/2023 Monday

Train
with Parmalee
at Surly Brewing Festival Field
first-avenue.com

The popular “Hey, Soul Sister” band Train is headlining the Surly Brewing Festival Field this September 11, 2023.

Show up early to check out one of Country music’s most successful acts, Parmalee. The band is releasing their extended album For You 2 on September 22, 2023. Their current single “Girl In Mine,” is top 10 and climbing.

Tour Dates:

Aug 21 Watertown, NY, US Watertown Fairgrounds
Aug 22 Niagara Falls, ON, Canada Fallsview Casino Resort
Aug 24 Lenox, MA, US Tanglewood
Aug 25 Atlantic City, NJ, US Circus Maximus Theater
Aug 26 Selbyville, DE, US Freeman Arts Pavilion
Aug 27 Outdoor Vienna, VA, US Wolf Trap
Aug 29 Huber Heights, OH, US The Rose Music Center
Aug 30 Highland Park, IL, US Ravinia
Sep 1 Asheville, NC, US Harrah's Cherokee Center
Sep 1 Cherokee, NC, US Harrah's Cherokee Resort Event Center
Sep 2 Charleston, SC, US Credit One Stadium
Sep 6 Huntsville, AL, US Orion Amphitheater
Sep 7 Outdoor Brandon, MS, US Brandon Amphitheater
Sep 8 Outdoor Memphis, TN, US Radians Amphitheater
Sep 9 Outdoor Camdenton, MO, US Ozarks Amphitheater
Sep 11 Minneapolis, MN, US Surly Brewing
Sep 12 Outdoor Cedar Rapids, IA, US McGrath Amphitheatre
Sep 14 Outdoor Louisville, KY, US Bourbon & Beyond
Sep 16 Hamilton, ON, Canada FirstOntario Centre

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

We♥KC- June 22-30, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Read More Starkey Hearing Foundation Benefit Once again, on a Sunday July afternoon, St. Paul became Tinseltown if only for an evening as the Starkey Hearing Foundation's So the World May Hear 18th Annual Gala,...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

This weekend, it’s all about the Big Slick-- the annual benefit extravaganza for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City has returned in full force, though late word has come down that Jason Sudeikis is unfortunately unable to attend, still in London for production schedule changes on the new season of “Ted Lasso”.

Funnyman David Koechner may or may not be present as well, due to recent run-ins with the law, but there’s plenty of talent and entertainment to anchor what should be a memorable weekend. Several good concerts happening as well (fingers crossed the rain and heat can hold off).

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro June 22^nd- 30^th

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaxx proof might still be required)

Wednesday June 22

Why Don’t We with The Aces and JVKE, Starlight, CANCELED

Thursday June 23

“Cheer” Live, Cable Dahmer Arena. $29.95-$139.95

Rah, Rah, Rah!- features a special appearance from Monica Aldama

Cody Johnson, Azura Amphitheater, $44.50-$129.50

The Texas country singer-songwriter is striking while the fire is hot. After his first No. 1 hit "'Til You Can't" was certified Platinum, he’s on the road through the end of the year with a rotating slate of musical friends joining him. Locally, Ashland Craft & Craig Campbell are scheduled to join on.

Broncho, recordBar, $15

Out on their I Know You tour, we’ve followed the Oklahoma indie/post-punk band since 2013, having seen them last in 2016 so we’re probably overdue. Latest full-length was 2018’s Bad Behavior, so we have to expect new music is soon forthcoming. Live, they’ve been playing almost a 30-song set.

Saliva, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $25-$28

Vocalist Bobby Amaru ably stepped in for Josey Scott over a decade ago and the band has a new single, “Crows” released earlier this month. Live, favorites like “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “Tick Tick Boom”, and “Your Disease” are of course in the set, along with some interesting cover medleys.

LANCO, Power & Light District, Free!

Nashville country band used to stylize their name as LANco, but are now LANCO (abbreviated version of Lancaster and Co, so go figure). Anyway, the band returns with new song “Low Class Lovers” from its forthcoming full-length as a follow-up to previously-lauded Hallelujah Nights. Plus, it’s a free show!

Friday June 24

Big Slick Celebrity softball game at Kauffman Stadium, $20-$103

After a prior night’s VIP event, this is the true kickoff to this year’s annual event. Gates open at 4:30 for the 5pm game, and anyone buying a Royals ticket to the 7pm game, gets in early for free. Seating is all GA, so arrive early for a good seat to see your favorite celebs swing a fun bat for charity.

Riff Generation- KC Jazz Orchestra, Medallion Theater, $25-$35

Brand new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre.

Modern English w/ Static Phantoms, recordBar, $20

Decades later, they still want to stop the world and melt with you and will be playing classic album After The Snow in its entirety. We caught them live in 2017 as part of the loaded Retro Futura Tour. Post-punk synth ‘80s throwback KC duo Static Phantoms is an ideal opening fit.

Blue Man Group, June 24-26, Starlight Theater,$16-$98

More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon. Expect signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy in this updated show that features original music, custom-made instruments, and surprise audience interaction in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. We saw them live in their original NYC Astor Place theater years ago, and still remember all the fun.

 

 

Saturday June 25

Big Slick Party / Benefit w Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and David Koechner (?), T-Mobile Center, $75-$375.

What started out as a benefit poker tournament (thus the poker hand name) has ballooned into a jam-packed weekend and arena-sized party/show, which has raised over $13million dollars for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City.

In between acts like Sheryl Crow, David Cook, The Potash Twins and numerous celebs, bidding on item and experiential auctions take place (online as well) for special and one-of-a-kind collectibles and memories. Celebrities expected include Adam Scott, SNL’s Heidi Gardner, Kevin Pollak, James Van Der Beek, and others including some possible late-addition sports stars.

Children's Mercy is a leading independent children's health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, breakthrough innovation, and educating the next generation of caregivers. Its vision is to create a world of well-being for children and for more information visit childrensmercy.org. (Note there is no Saturday morning bowling nor red carpet arrival this year).

Glenn Miller Orchestra, Kauffman Center. $59.50-$79.50

It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing!- The 80-year old Glenn Miller Orchestra brings timeless classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “String of Pearls” and “Tuxedo Junction” back to the stage with over eighteen musicians and singers.

Eddie Montgomery, Knuckleheads. $37.50

The remaining half of famed country duo Montgomery Gentry hits the road with all their favorites live as well as new songs from his solo debut, Ain’t No Closing Me Down and recent Tanya Tucker collab, “Higher”.

Motherfolk, Lemonade Park, $15

Beloved KC indie folk project led by Nathan Dickerson and Nathan Paver in promotion of new EP, the flower and new single, “Headlights”. DURRY to open.

Sunday June 26

Sebastian Maniscalco, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $42.75-$122.75

Rescheduled like many things, the comedian plays two shows on his Nobody Does This Tour. The stand-up comedian and actor has released five comedy specials. has also had supporting acting roles in the films Green Book and The Irishman.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Uptown. $35-$99

A last-minute Covid infection with the band pushed this show to its new date, all is now good and any previous tix are honored.

Five decades and running, the legendary band also recently released their latest, Dirt Does Dylan, featuring lead single “I Shall be Released” alongside indie faves Larkin Poe. Expect some Bobby Zimmerman covers live, along with maybe some Hank, The Band and Jerry Jeff Walker songs as well as tracks from their fifty year catalog.

Spite, recordBar. $20

California metal band out on their (not so humble) One Step to Becoming God Tour, with Boundaries, Vatican, and Bodybox as support for this early show. The band recently announced their new label partnership with Rise Records and have released two new singles since: “Made To Please” and “Caved In”.

 

                                        Monday June 27

 

Tuesday June 28

Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin, T-Mobile Center Postponed to August 2.

Wednesday June 29

Barenaked Ladies with Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Starlight. $25-$150

For the sixth time, it’s still the Last Summer on Earth and this formidable 90s triple bill promises a fun and hit-filled evening. We caught the tour in its first year in 2015 with BNL headlining and it’s been successful enough to keep returning.

BNL has new music coming later this year, so maybe expect a new song or two amidst the favorites and the tour will also feature Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket on the lineup. We haven’t documented any Gin Blossoms shows though have caught them live and are a fan of especially their first couple albums. We did catch Toad live many times in the mid-2010s and remain big fans.

Dean Lewis, The Truman. $26-$55

Aussie singer-songwriter Dean Lewis hit it big internationally with songs “Be Alright” and “Waves” and released his debut album, A Place We Knew in 2019. We caught him live in the summer of 2019 for a radio-sponsored acoustic set that had the girls swooning and guys singing along and three singles including “Hurtless” have been issued in advance of his upcoming new album.

 

Read More Third Eye Blind You may remember Third Eye Blind in the late 90s with their self-titled album blowing up with such hits as "How's It Going to Be" and "Semi-Charmed Life" (which was honored by Weird Al …

Thursday June 30

Third Eye Blind with Taking Back Sunday and Hockey Dad, Starlight. $29.50-$99.95

Stephan Jenkins and band are out on their Summer Gods: 25 Years in the Blind Tour, which also supports the restoration of a portion of the Palos Verdes Kelp Forest. Called the Blind Reef, proceeds of each ticket will help the surf community restore the kelp ecosystem that sequesters carbon off the California Coast. We caught them live back in 2018 and the band has been playing Joy Division and Califone covers in their recent live sets.

Eli Young Band w Corey Kent, Power & Light District

The brand new album is called Love Talking from this North Texas country band and fans probably remember their previous hit singles, "Crazy Girl", along with "Even If It Breaks Your Heart", "Drunk Last Night", and "Love Ain't". Expect a lot of crazy girls out for this free downtown show.

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

Touring Animals: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dinosaur Jr. and Beartooth

Read more When Animals Attack.

Toad The Wet Sprocket: Starting Now  Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows...

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET
toadthewetsprocket.com

Platinum-selling American Alternative rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket is returning to Minneapolis as part of their tour for their new album Starting Now.

The 2021 tour is the first time the band is back on the road since their 30th Anniversary tour in 2019. We caught the band in July 2015 and noted what a massive fanbase they have: “Very dedicated fans, driving as far as South Dakota, was at the show on Thursday. Most of them proudly buying the VIP package, which included a pre-signed poster of the current Smash Mouth/Toad tour and other goodies only available on only on this tour and side show.”

More details about the upcoming Pantages Theatre show in Minneapolis on hennepintheatretrust.org.

Tour Dates:

09/07/2021 Chautauqua Auditorium Boulder, CO
09/09/2021 Pantages Theatre Minneapolis, MN
09/10/2021 Park West Chicago, IL
09/11/2021 "Summerfest" (Milwaukee)
09/16/2021 Royal Oak Music Theatre Royal Oak, MI
09/23/2021 The Wilbur Boston, MA
09/24/2021 City Winery NYC New York, NY
10/04/2021 The Birchmere Alexandria, VA
10/05/2021 The Birchmere Alexandria, VA
10/06/2021 Keswick Theatre
10/09/2021 The Eastern Atlanta, GA
10/15/2021 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/17/2021 Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Clearwater, FL
10/23/2021 The Canyon Agoura Hills, CA
10/26/2021 August Hall San Francisco, CA
10/28/2021 The Crocodile Seattle, WA
10/30/2021 Uptown Theatre Napa Napa, CA

Dinosaur Jr.: Sweep It Into Space  Read More Dinosaur Jr Yes, I know, Dinosaur Jr broke up in the late 90's. Then about five years ago, the band got back together and produced their album, Beyond. Since then, J Mascis did some solo stuff ...

DINOSAUR JR.
dinosaurjr.com

Massachusetts rock band Dinosaur Jr. is returning to First Avenue on September 14, 2021, as part of their tour for their fifth new studio album Sweep It Into Space (Jagjaguwar Records). Ryley Walker to open.

Dinosaur Jr Tour Dates

09/07 - Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre
09/09 - Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
09/10 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Venue TBA
09/11 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
09/13 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
09/14 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
09/16 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
09/20 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
09/21 - Kansas City, MO @ Truman
09/23 - Austin, TX @ Moody Theater
09/24 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
09/25 - Dallas, TX @ Canton Hall
09/27 - Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
09/28 - Bloomington, IN @ The Bluebird
09/30 - Columbus, OH @ Athenaeum Theatre
10/01 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora
10/02 - Ithaca, NY @ State Theatre
11/12 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
11/13 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
11/15 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/16 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/18 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11/19 - New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
11/20 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/26 - Northampton, MA @ Academy of Music
11/27 - Boston, MA @ House Of Blues

Beartooth: Below  Read More Beartooth I Prevail and Beartooth to open. Tour dates: 10/13/2019 - Sacramento, CA - Aftershock Festival 10/15/2019 - Boise, ID - CenturyLink Arena 10/16/2019 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre

BEARTOOTH
beartoothband.com

Ohio’s hardcore punk band Beartooth is currently on tour. They are stopping by new venue Fillmore in Minneapolis on August 27, 2021. We’ve never been to the venue before (although I’ve been to Fillmore in San Francisco), more details about Minneapolis’ Fillmore on their website fillmoreminneapolis.com.

Beartooth’s latest Below is out now on Red Bull Records.

Touring with Beartooth is Seattle metal core band Dragged Under.

Tour Dates:

8/24 Billings, MT Zoo Montana
8/26 Fargo, ND Fargo Brewing Co.
8/27 Minneapolis, MN Fillmore
8/28 Kansas City, MO Truman
8/29 Denver, CO Summit
8/31 Oklahoma City, OK Diamond Ballroom
9/01 Dallas, TX HOB
9/03 San Antonio, TX Vibes Event Center
9/04 Houston, TX HOB
9/06 Orlando, FL HOB
9/07 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
9/08 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live
9/09 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
9/13 Philadelphia, PA Fillmore
9/15 New York, NY Terminal 5
9/17 Worcester, MA Palladium
9/18 Baltimore, MD Sound Stage
9/19 New Haven, CT Toad’s Place
9/20 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
9/22 Chicago, IL HOB
9/24 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s Hall
9/25 Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe

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

Toad the Wet Sprocket at Mill City Nights, Minneapolis (08 Jul 2015)

Toad the Wet Sprocket Setlist Good Intentions Woodburning Crowing Whatever I Fear Something's Always Wrong New Constellation Stupid Architect of the Ruin Is It For Me Way Away California Wasted Nanci Brother Crazy Life Todd Nichols on lead vocals Is There Anyone Out There? Nightingale Song All I Want Fall Down -- Encore -- Come Down I'll Bet on You Walk on the Ocean Outro: Monty Python's "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" Jonathan Kingham Setlist When Daddy Gets Home I Keep Finding New Ways to Love You Border Postcard Town Real Woman Satisfied Matthew (John Denver cover) Every Little Step (Bobby Brown cover) Grace with Glen Phillips Tour Dates 07/09/15 Oshkosh, WI Leach Amphitheater 07/10/15 Aurora, IL RiverEdge Park 07/14/15 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere 07/17/15 Orkney Springs, VA Orkney Springs Hotel 07/18/15 Atlantic City, NJ Golden Nugget 07/23/15 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Botanical Garden 07/25/15 Dallas, TX House Of Blues 07/29/15 New York, NY Irving Plaza 07/31/15 Plymouth, NH Flying Monkey House Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows... …

Signed poster

When the Smash Mouth/Toad the Wet Sprocket/Tonic Summer 2015 tour skipped Minneapolis, Toad decided to rectified the situation by booking their headlining tour at Mill City Nights last Thursday, July 8th.

Very dedicated fans, driving as far as South Dakota, was at the show on Thursday. Most of them proudly buying the VIP package, which included a pre-signed poster of the current Smash Mouth/Toad tour and other goodies only available on only on this tour and side show.

Jonathan Kingham

"My name is Toad, thank you for buying tickets to my show," started Jonathan Kingham to laughers. The singer/songwriter also doubled as Toad's keyboardist, and was asked to open for this latest tour because they didn't book an opener. Kingham was more than happy to warm up the crowd, and based on his knack for improvising lyrics, won over the audience by the end of his set.

I would imagine that Kingham likes to add something special to his songs for every city on tour, in our case, he mixed in words like "Twin Cities", "Minneapolis", and "St Paul" and made his song "I Keep Finding New Ways to Love You" unique to our show.

For his Bobby Brown cover song "Every Little Step", he dedicated to the dancing girl in front. When he found out her name, he changed the lyrics to "Every little step I take, Brandi would be there..." It was very satisfying to hear him improvised rap for the last two minutes of the song (everything from Cabbage Patch dance, "Brick" referencing Mill City Night's original name, and Twin Cities/Minneapolis name drops). I personally felt that should have been the set finale. What is he going to do to follow that up? Well, how about getting Toad's singer Glen Phillips to help him play out to "Grace".

Just a quick history lesson if you're not familiar with this alt-rock/college rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket. They formed in the late 80s, and by the 90s, had some breakout hit singles (including "Walk on the Ocean", "All I Want", "Something's Always Wrong", and "Fall Down"). Various reasons broke up the band in 1998, but officially announced they reformed in 2010. By 2013, Toad had produced new studio album called New Constellation (their first new material since Coil in 1997).

We've been following their progress closely, having seen the band with Counting Crows at the Myth last July 2014 and at Mill City Nights in November 2013. As we have noted, the band still have a strong fanbase.

On Thursday's show at Mill City Nights, the band also brought with them a charity called SuperFood Drive, collecting donations to help buy good food for the homeless and needy. Phillips had trouble explaining what they were, and called them a "Food Library"

Glen Phillips

Singer Glen Phillips, dressed in cargo shorts and barefoot, seemed like he just came from a 'walk on the ocean'. The first thing that Phillips said was "It's good to be back in this room, especially when it's not 90 degrees outside..." referencing the Minnesota heat.

The band seemed really comfortable playing some old songs, especially when guitarist Todd Nichols had his solo moment on "Whatever I Fear". As tight as the band was, you can definitely see a hint of excitement whenever they play new songs - particularly on "New Constellation", when Phillips sang with added loudness in his vocals. I can't put my fingers on it, but that song definitely stood out in the first part of their set.

Setlist

Of course, it is all about hearing the hit songs at these shows. For fan-favorite and 'breakup song' "Architect of the Ruin", the fans actually had to help Phillips sing some of the lines when he had a brainfart and forgotten the song. He laughed, knowing that the fans will always be there to assist him.

Highlight of their set was the double hit final songs, "All I Want" and "Fall Down". Returning for the triple song encore featured their most popular song "Walk on the Ocean" which closed out the night.

Toad the Wet Sprocket's latest Architect of the Ruin EP is out now on Abe's Records. The Smash Mouth/Toad the Wet Sprocket double headlining tour ends 25 July 2015, but you can catch Toad on smaller side shows... see your local listing.

Toad the Wet Sprocket at Mill City Nights, Minneapolis (08 July 2015)

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

Minneapolis: July 7 - July 9, 2015

Read More Anonymous Choir 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 …

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from July 7 to July 9, 2015.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

STAX COVER BAND
at the Turf Club
Tuesday, 07/07/15, 8pm ($6)
Details: turfclub.net

The Stax Cover Band is the new project by Nona Marie (from Dark Dark Dark and Anonymous Choir) with music by The Ventures Cover Band.

If there is one thing I know about Anonymous Choir, it is that they love covering other people's music... and I guess naturally Marie is in love with old 60's Stax soul sound.

While most casual music fans may know Motown, few may know about Stax - which is the combination of the two siblings who founded the record company: Stewart and Axton, forming "St-Ax".

The label's biggest star at the time was Otis Redding, and for a time was rivalling Motown. By the mid-70s, the label was went out of business.

Opening up at this 21+ show will be Magnetic Ghost, also known as Andy Larson of Whitesand/Badlands.

Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Monty Python are due to reunite shortly for a series of shows in London, and California four-piece Toad the Wet Sprocket (who are named after a band in a Python skit) are back on the road, in support of their …

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET
at Mill City Nights
Wednesday, 07/08/15, 7:30pm ($32)
Details: millcitynights.com

Currently on tour with Smash Mouth, the 90's alternative/college music band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be doing a number of side shows... including Mill City Nights in Minneapolis on July 8th.

The band also has a new EP Architect of the Ruin, which came out last week, June 16th via Abe's Records.... but, of course, they'll be playing all their hit singles, including "All I Want" and "Walk on the Ocean".

Tour dates:

06/27/15 Las Vegas, NV Fremont Street Experience
06/28/15 San Diego, CA Humphrey's Concerts
06/30/15 Park City, UT Deer Valley Resort Snow
07/01/15 Pueblo, CO Memorial Hall
07/02/15 Arvada, CO Arvada Center
07/04/15 Heritage & Freedom Festival
07/05/15 Summerfest
07/06/15 National Cherry Festival
07/08/15 Minneapolis, MN Mill City Nights
07/09/15 Oshkosh, WI Leach Amphitheater
07/10/15 Aurora, IL RiverEdge Park
07/14/15 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
07/17/15 Orkney Springs, VA Orkney Springs Hotel
07/18/15 Atlantic City, NJ Golden Nugget
07/23/15 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Botanical Garden
07/25/15 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
07/29/15 New York, NY Irving Plaza
07/31/15 Plymouth, NH Flying Monkey House

Read More Lenka Have also been discovering some Aussie acts lately, namely Lenka and Kate Miller-Heidke. …

LENKA
at Cedar Cultural Center
Thursday, 07/09/15, 7pm ($13)
Details: thecedar.org

Australian Lenka will be stopping by Minneapolis' Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, July 9th, in support of her fourth album The Bright Side (which came out June 16th via Skipalong Records/Hickory Records/RED Distribution).

Recently, the singer said that due to a family-related emergency, that she will be forced to cut her US tour short, so the following shows are cancelled: Wilmington, Vienna, Chapel Hill and Atlanta. Fortunately, Minneapolis is still on her radar.

British singer/songwriter Nick Howard will be opening the show.

Tour dates:

06/28/15 Dallas, TX House of Blues
06/29/15 Austin, TX Stubbs Jr.
06/30/15 Houston, TX House of Blues
07/08/15 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen
07/09/15 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center
07/10/15 Madison, WI The Frequency
07/11/15 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
07/13/15 Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern
07/15/15 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
07/16/15 Boston, MA The Sinclair

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

Counting Crows w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket, Myth Nightclub - Maplewood, MN (25 July 2014)

Counting Crows Setlist Sullivan Street Untitled (Love Song) (The Romany Rye cover) I Wish I Was a Girl Come Around Mr. Jones God of Ocean Tides Start Again (Teenage Fanclub cover) Omaha Richard Manuel Is Dead Scarecrow Sessions Round Here (Earthquake Driver/Private Archipelago version) Possibility Days A Long December Hanginaround -- Encore -- Palisades Park Rain King Holiday in Spain Toad the Wet Sprocket Setlist Whatever I Fear The Moment Good Intentions Something's Always Wrong New Constellation Windmills Crazy Life Come Down California Wasted Come Back Down All I Want Fall Down Walk on the Ocean Daniel and the Lion Setlist Death Head Need You Flash Flood On Berlin Free Love Forever Tour Dates 07/30/14 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live 08/01/14 Catoosa, OK Hard Rock Casino 08/02/14 Durant, OK Choctaw Casino Resort 08/04/14 Socorro, TX Socorro Entertainment Center 08/06/14 Tucson, AZ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amph 08/07/14 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre 08/09/14 Del Mar, CA Del Mar Racetrack 08/10/14 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Beach 08/12/14 Redmond, WA King County's Marymoor 08/13/14 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert 08/15/14 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre 08/17/14 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre * all dates with Toad the Wet Sprocket Read More Counting Crows ‘Wonderland’ is arriving early... … or at least a slice of it. Counting Crows have again decided to spend their summer on the road, in early promotion of their next upcoming album … Toad the Wet Sprocket Monty Python are due to reunite shortly for a series of shows in London, and California four-piece Toad the Wet Sprocket (who are named after a band in a Python skit) are back on the road, in support of their …

Suburban Minnesotans got a taste of California sunshine as two very West Coast bands brought their sounds to Myth in nearby Maplewood, MN over the weekend.

The Outlaw Roadshow Tour featuring Santa Barbara reunited four-piece Toad the Wet Sprocket and Bay Area alt-rockers Counting Crows hit town, showcasing both new songs and the late ‘80s/early ‘90s hits that made them famous.

Daniel and the Lion

The night began with a bit of regional flavor as Madison, WI-born band Daniel and the Lion, opened with a solid set that ran just shy of thirty minutes.  The group, now based in Nashville, was handpicked by Crows’ frontman Adam Duritz to open the tour, and is in support of its two latest releases, last year’s full-length Death Head and last fall’s follow up EP, Final Night (Rotown Records).

The band, led by duo Daniel Pingrey  and Jimmie Linville is not a Christian rock group, as their name might infer (though it is a reference to the Bible's Book of Daniel) and plays a melodic blend of folk pop that fit it well with the other two bands on the bill.  The audience did seem to pay attention, which is often rare with a band third on the bill, and in spite of singer Linville wearing an opposing Green Bay Packers cap, that a fan in front even tried to rip from his head.

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Toad the Wet Sprocket next took the stage for a performance just shy of an hour, efficiently managing to play thirteen songs in that time, blending selections from their recent album New Constellation (on the band’s own Abe’s Records-their first new material in sixteen years), alongside the older familiar songs that first put them on the map.

Changing it up from their previous setlists, the band opened with ‘Whatever I Fear’ from 1997’s Coil before launching into the new ‘The Moment’, with singer Glen Phillips prefacing it by saying, “We’re gonna play you a song from THIS century, if that’s cool.” The band [Glen Phillips (vocals/guitar), Todd Nichols (guitars), Dean Dinning (bass), Randy Guss (drums)] is clearly still having a good time reuniting and bringing their music to fans, new and old.

Hits ‘Good Intentions’ and ‘Something’s Always Wrong’ followed, and grabbed the crowd’s attention, many of whom were clearly there more for Toad, than the other acts. Guitarist Nichols took over lead vocals for the swaying ‘Crazy Life’ and the band was more than ably backed by Jonathan Kingham on keyboard, steel guitar, and mandolin.

Glen Phillips

‘Come Back Down’ from the 1990 release, Pale, was a setlist surprise and the band closed with three timeless alt-radio hits, ‘All I Want’, ‘Fall Down’, and best-known song, ‘Walk on the Ocean’, with my only complaint being the vocals set a little low in the mix, which especially made Phillips’ comments between songs, a little hard to understand amidst some audience conversations.

Vocal volume wasn’t an issue during Counting Crows’ 104 min. set, as singer Adam Duritz’ mic (once it arrived on stage, as he went to sing the first song and it wasn’t there) was in front of their mix and clearly heard.  The seven-piece is out in pre-promotion of their upcoming  Somewhere Under Wonderland (Capitol Records) due out Sept, 2^nd, playing a generous helping of the new songs, along with an ever-rotating setlist incorporating many of their previous hits.

The band entered to the intro music of ‘Lean on Me’, with Duritz sporting a profane Nine Inch Nails t-shirt, and reached back to their 1994 debut, August and Everything After, for the set-opening and somewhat somber ‘Sullivan Street’. A cover of a song by The Colour offshoot band, The Romany Rye followed, with tempo gradually building on ‘I Wish I Was a Girl’ and the bouncy ‘Come Around’.

First and biggest hit, ‘Mr. Jones’ had even the most casual fans nodding their heads in a fairly straight-forward version of the song, and the new ‘God of Ocean Tides’ (the first song written for the upcoming album) fit in well amongst the older tracks.

Counting Crows

The remainder of the band, David Bryson (guitar), Charlie Gillingham (accordion, keyboards), Dan Vickrey (guitar), David Immerglück (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Jim Bogios (drums) and Millard Powers (bass), kept up with Duritz’ (who had also since changed into a vintage T-Rex t-shirt) tempo/key changes and slight improvs with Gillingham taking center stage on accordion for early classic, ‘Omaha’, which had the crowd shouting the chorus back to the band.

Adam Duritz

An extended ‘Round Here’ was a mid-set highlight, adding in elements of new song, ‘Earthquake Driver’ and Duritz’ former band, Sordid Humor’s ‘Private Archipelago’. After the new ‘Possibility Days’, Duritz moved to piano, again accentuated by Gillingham’ accordion for hit, ‘A Long December’ before a buoyant ‘Hanginaround’ ended the main set.

The three-song encore started with current single, ‘Pallisades Park’, an epic new number dotted with Duritz’s familiar lyrical references of funhouses, trains, sky rockets, and carnivals. ’Rain King’ and ‘Holiday in Spain’ ended the evening, with Duritz staying on stage to direct the singing crowd as the closing outro music of The Mamas & Papas’ ‘California Dreamin’ filled the speakers.

California had indeed come to Minnesota… for the evening anyway.

Counting Crows at Myth Nightclub, Maplewood (25 July 2014)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Of Toads and Frogs

Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket California alt-rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket just appeared at Minneapolis’ Mill City Nights, ending their 2013 tour with a toe-tapping 90 min. set. …

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET
toadthewetsprocket.com

Monty Python are due to reunite shortly for a series of shows in London, and California four-piece Toad the Wet Sprocket (who are named after a band in a Python skit) are back on the road, in support of their first album of new material in over a decade… is it a written-in-the-stars kind of coincidence?

Actually, it’s New Constellation, released on the band’s own, Abe’s Records, that features current single, “New Moment”. The band is on the road all summer with fellow Californians Counting Crows in what will be a feel good chance to look backward as well as ahead, with the soundtracks of both bands as your guide.

Toad the Wet Sprocket Tour Dates
07/18/14 Detroit, MI MotorCity Casino Hotel
07/20/14 Cincinnati, OH Horseshoe Cincinnati
07/21/14 Grand Rapids, MI Frederik Meijer Gardens
07/23/14 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre
07/24/14 Bayfield, WI Big Top Chautauqua
07/25/14 Saint Paul, MN Myth
07/26/14 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah's Council Bluffs
07/28/14 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theater
07/29/14 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center
07/30/14 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live
08/01/14 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
08/02/14 Durant, OK Choctaw Casino Resort
08/04/14 Socorro, TX Socorro Entertainment Center
08/05/14 Taos, NM KTAOS Solar Center
08/06/14 Tucson, AZ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre
08/07/14 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
08/09/14 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
08/10/14 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Beach
08/12/14 Redmond, WA King County's Marymoor Park
08/13/14 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
08/15/14 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
08/16/14 Big Bear Lake, CA The Cave
08/17/14 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
08/29/14 Norwalk, CT Norwalk Concert Hall
11/15/14 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House Concert
11/22/14 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre

Read More Toadies Downtown Minneapolis was bursting with serious activity Friday night. Amongst the various sports events, all three theaters hosting performances and the usual nightcrawlers roaming the streets, Toadies fans …

TOADIES
thetoadies.com

Still rubberneckin’… After a successful two legs to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of their defining album, Rubberneck; Fort Worth, TX band Toadies has announced a third leg, along with the special 7^th annual Dia De Los Toadies Festival, happening on Sept. 12 and 13 in the band’s hometown.

Rubberneck was reissued in April by Kurtland Records, and has garnered a new generation of fans, as well as those that remember the band’s beginnings in the 1990’s. Look for the album to be played in its entirety with the two-day festival showcasing their acoustic set the first night, and full-on electric night, on the second night.

Toadies Tour Dates:
07/24/14 Denton, TX - Rockin Rodeo
07/25/14 Abilene, TX - Lucky Mule
07/26/14 Stephenville, TX - City Limits
07/27/14 Amarillo, TX - Midnight Rodeo
07/29/14 Albuquerque, NM - Sister Bar
07/30/14 Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
07/31/14 Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads
08/01/14 Omaha, NE - Waiting Room
08/02/14 Fayetteville, AR - George's Majestic
08/08/14 Charlotte, NC - Amos Southend
08/09/14 Charleston, SC - Music Farm
08/10/14 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
08/13/14 Birmingham, AL - Iron City
08/14/14 Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theater
08/15/14 Biloxi, MS - Kress Live
08/16/14 Little Rock, AR - Juanita's Café and Bar
08/17/14 Robinsonville , MS - Horseshoe Tunica
09/12/14 Fort Worth, TX- Dia De Los Toadies Festival
09/13/14 Fort Worth, TX- Dia De Los Toadies Festival

Read More Frog Eyes Frog Eyes is set to tour North America in support of the physical release of the acclaimed Carey's Cold Spring. Only a few months ago it appeared that Carey Mercer would not be touring any longer when he was diagnosed with …

FROG EYES
facebook.com/FrogEyesOfficial

This is the kind of comeback we love hearing about—

Victoria, BC band Frog Eyes is due to hit the road again, only a few months after lead vocalist Carey Mercer was diagnosed with throat cancer. After some treatments, Mercer was given a clean bill of health and okayed to tour in support of Carey’s Cold Spring (Paper Bag Records).

Mercer’s intense vocals highlight the band’s songs, which also features Mercer’s wife, Melanie Campbell on drums, though she did not play on the recent album. Expect what could be an emotional evening, given Mercer’s circumstances and getting to play live, seems like the ideal prescription.

Frog Eyes Tour Dates:
8/14/14 Victoria, BC. Centennial Square
8/18/14 Detroit, MI. The Pike Room*
8/19/14 Toronto, ON. The Drake*
8/20/14 Ottawa, ON. Mavericks*
8/21/14 Montreal, QC. II Motore*
8/22/14 Boston, MA. Cafe 939*
8/23/14 New York, NY. Rough Trade*
8/25/14 Washington, DC. DC9*
8/26/14 Columbus, OH. Rumba Cafe*
8/27/14 Chicago, IL. Schubas*

* = w/ PS I Love You

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Toad the Wet Sprocket w/ Lee DeWyze - Mill City Nights, Minneapolis (11/23/13) concert review

Setlist The Moment Woodburning Good Intentions Crowing Windmills New Constellation Inside All I Want Dam Would Break Come Back Down Nightingale Song Crazy Life Rare Bird Is It For Me California Wasted Come Down Brother Fall Down -- Encore -- Something's Always Wrong I'll Bet on You Walk on the Ocean Tour Dates 12/07/13 "KFOG Concert For Kids" 01/29/14 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom 01/30/14 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum Theater 01/31/14 Salt Lake City, UT Depot 02/01/14 Stateline, NV Harrah's Lake Tahoe 02/05/14 Bend, OR Tower Theatre 02/06/14 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater 02/07/14 Spokane, WA Bing Crosby Theater 02/08/14 Seattle, WA Showbox 02/13/14 Boise, ID Knitting Factory 02/15/14 Napa, CA Uptown Theatre Napa Read More Toad the Wet Sprocket Toad the Wet Sprocket are in the middle of a tour in support of their Kickstarter-funded album New Constellation, which was released last month (October 15th).…

It’s been pretty good for Monty Python-related news of late. The classic comedy troupe just announced a London reunion (which sold out in 43 seconds, prompting four more added shows) and California alt-rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket just appeared at Minneapolis’ Mill City Nights, ending their 2013 tour with a toe-tapping 90 min. set.

The band, named after a Python “Rock Notes” skit, took fans both backwards and forwards, with generous samplings of both their 90’s-era radio hits, and selections from their latest and first in sixteen years, the Kickstarter-funded New Constellation, self-released on their own Abe’s Records label.

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. opening set promoting his latest, Frames (Vanguard Records). New songs like ‘Silver Lining’ and ‘Fight’ were well received, and the audience was mostly receptive to his humble and honest songwriting.

Glen Phillips

“Nice to see you!”, Toad singer, the ageless Glen Phillips remarked just as the Divine Fits intro music faded and the band launched into new song, ‘The Moment’ to start their set. A familiar ‘Good Intentions’ got the mostly thirty-something crowd swaying, Phillips and bassist Dean Dinning harmonizing the chorus as if it were twenty years prior.

“This band wouldn’t be a band without Minneapolis”, Phillips mentioned, then related all the area bands off of the top of his head that he considered an influence, before cheekily asking Dinning if he knew the bassline to ‘When Doves Cry’. The band, rounded out by guitarist Todd Nichols and Randy Guss on drums, was more than ably assisted on stage by Jonathan Kingham playing keyboard, steel guitar, and mandolin.

TTWS’s songs have always blended a California sensibility with echoes of similar Brit and Aussie alt-pop that was also happening during their heyday (i.e. The La’s, Crowded House, etc.) but it’s maybe because they all came from a similar songwriting approach rather than were directly influenced, and the songs from New Constellation fit seamlessly alongside their older back catalogue.

Guitarist Nichols took over lead vocals for several tracks, including ‘Inside’ and ‘Crazy Life’ with deft Kingham organ playing, Nichols’ voice somewhat deeper and slightly rougher than Phillips, but no less melodic.

Phillips asked the crowd to sing along in three part melody (balcony, floor, and front) prefacing ‘All I Want’ and marveled at Minnesotans’ ability to dress for “10 degrees outside and 80 degrees inside”- “you have mad skills…or you’re standing on piles of coats!”, which prompted a collective laugh.

Somehow appropriate (though may have been more suitable during ‘Fall Down’), the band paused ‘Dam Would Break’ mid-song as he noticed a girl collapsing in the middle of the floor, only to pick it up again quickly as the boyfriend embarrassingly hustled his companion away briskly. Phillips playfully strummed the beginnings of The Replacements’ ‘Unsatisfied’ before giving up and instead going into the much-more familiar ‘Come Back Down’.

‘Nightingale Song’ was a crowd clap-a-long, prodded on by bassist Dinning keeping the collective time on tambourine. “Enough of love”, Phillips declared, “we’ll go back to boys and ladders”, finishing the new ‘Rare Bird’ and going into ‘Is It For Me’ from 1991’s Fear. A spirited ‘Fall Down’, from the band’s other platinum selling album, 1994’s Dulcinea, closed the main set with an energetic finish.

Setlist with Guitar Changes

The encore began with hit ‘Something’s Always Wrong’ followed by the new ‘I’ll Bet on You’ and ended with ‘Walk on the Ocean’, embellished by Kingham’s mandolin and whose choruses seemed to be sung in a lower key, but was no less entertaining.

Like a comfortable blanket or familiar book, Toad the Wet Sprocket returns to form, like they never left us as the 1990’s ended, less dark in theme now and more assured and relaxed in concert than before. For some in the audience, it was re-capturing the soundtrack of their glory years; for others, a welcome revisiting of the past with new beginnings and songs to make future memories with.

As the crowd filtered out to the outro music of Python’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’, what’s ahead for Toad the Wet Sprocket is only on the bright side once again.

Toad the Wet Sprocket at Mill City Nights, Minneapolis (11/23/13)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ toadthewetsprocket.com