W♥M

Minneapolis: February 1 to February 8, 2018

Read More Diet Cig Alex Luciano is a guitar-slinging human tornado on a Pixy Stix bender. As the singer, guitarist and one half of the undeniably charming duo Diet Cig, Luciano is known to bop, flail and high-kick around the stage. ... The Spook School Glasgow indie-pop band The Spook School released their special Christmas single “Someone To Spend Christmas With”, along with a Christmas Calendars, featuring photos of their drummer Niall McCamley. ...

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from February 1 to February 8, 2018.

Read more: Minneapolis Music Guide.

DIET CIG
+ The Spook School, Great Grandpa
Univ. Of Minnesota
Sat 02/03/2018 (7:30pm/$10)
sua.umn.edu

We caught Diet Cig’s first-ever Minneapolis appearance in June 2017 and wrote, “…singer/guitarist Alex Luciano was clearly the center of attention as she kicked and danced and drum-stand her way to our hearts. The band is still very young, and as expected, played most of their debut (and throwing in ‘Breathless’ from a previous Over Easy EP), resulting in only a barely 45-min set (with no encores). You know that when they come back (and they will), that they’ll have more songs under their belt.”

As noted, they are indeed back, and will have more songs to play. What we didn’t expect is that this time around, the duo will be joined by a two additional live musicians: bassist Anna from The Spook School and keyboardist Karli from Plush.

Speaking of The Spook School, they will one of two openers.. We previously wrote about the Glasgow indie-pop band last year and very excited to see them in the U.S. promoting their third album Could It Be Different? (Slumberland Records).

Also, Seattle’s Great Grandpa will open. The band started in 2014 with guitarist & vocalist Patrick Goodwin, bassist Carrie Miller, drummer Cam LaFlam, and vocalist Alex Menne. During recording of their record, guitarist Dylan Hanwright joined the group, solidifying the lineup. Great Grandpa’s Plastic Cough came out last year on Double Double Whammy.

NOTE: The event is $10, but if you have a valid U of M Student ID, it’s $5.

Tour dates:

Jan 29 - Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place # ^
Jan 30 - Toronto, ON @ The Garrison # ^
Jan 31 - Detroit, MI @ Marble Bar # ^
Feb 01 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge & #
Feb 02 - Madison, WI @ University of Wisconsin & #
Feb 03 - Minneapolis, MN @ University of Minnesota & #
Feb 05 - Lawrence, KS @ White Schoolhouse #
Feb 06 - Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge & #
Feb 07 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge #
Feb 08 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court #
Feb 09 - Boise, ID @ Neurolux & #
Feb 10 - Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt & #
Feb 11 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey #
Feb 12 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater #
Feb 14 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop #
Feb 15 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst & #
Feb 16 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room #
Feb 17 - San Diego, CA @ You Are Going To Hate This Fest 3 #
Feb 18 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley (w/ Bully)
Feb 19 - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress & #
Feb 21 - Austin, TX @ The Sidewinder & #
Feb 22 - Dallas, TX @ Three Links & #
Feb 23 - New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge & #
Feb 24 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade & #
Feb 25 - Asheville, NC @ The Mothlight & #
Feb 26 - Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre & #
Feb 27 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle & #
Feb 28 - Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel & #
Mar 01 - Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere & #
Mar 02 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall & #
Mar 03 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church & #

* = w/ Sammi Lanzetta
# = w/ The Spook School
^ = w/ Lala Lala
& = w/ Great Grandpa

Read More Kimbra More than somebody that you used to know-- New Zealand-born Kimbra is back, touring in support of her second album, The Golden Echo (Warner Bros. Records). Produced by Kimbra and Rich Costey … Arc Iris Arc Iris - Josie from the Low Anthem in a new band. I didn't know anything about her or this band and it may be one of the hardest to explain. Her voice is like Joanna Newsome and the music is a mix of country…

KIMBRA
+ King and Arc Iris
The Cedar Cultural Center
Mon 02/05/2018 (7pm/$25)
thecedar.org

Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, critically acclaimed New Zealand songstress Kimbra will be headlining the Cedar Cultural Center this Monday, February 5th, in support of her third album Primal Heart (Warner Bros. Records).

We first heard about Kimbra via a duet with Goyte for “Somebody That I Used To Know”, but unfortunately, when we saw her in October 2014, she doesn’t play that song (probably because it requires a male vocalist). Still, Kimbra’s got plenty of hit songs of her own, so you won’t be disappointed.

Arc Iris (lead singer and lyricist Jocie Adams, keyboardist Zach Tenorio-Miller and drummer Ray Belli) to open. Adams previously spent eight years as a key member of The Low Anthem.

Also, King is slated to open (although their name is not shown on the show poster). King is a Los Angeles-based Grammy winning trio featuring sisters Paris and Amber Strother, and Anita Bias.

Tour dates:

1/28 - Boston, MA (Paradise Rock Club)
1/29 - Brooklyn, NY (Brooklyn Steel)
1/30 - Washington, DC (9:30 Club)
1/31 - Philadelphia, PA (Union Transfer)
2/02 - Toronto, ON (The Mod Club)
2/03 - Chicago, IL (Concord Music Hall)
2/05 - Minneapolis, MN (Cedar Cultural Center)
2/08 - Portland, OR (Wonder Ballroom)
2/09 - Vancouver, BC (Imperial)
2/11 - Seattle, WA (Neumos)
2/13 - San Francisco, CA (The Regency Ballroom)
2/14 - Los Angeles, CA (The Theatre at the Ace Hotel)

Read More Sir Sly Los Angeles' Sir Sly recently just signed to Cherrytree/Interscope Records, and their first release is the Gold EP (available now). Hear the title track, "Gold", on soundcloud … Rachael Yamagata Rachael Yamagata is back at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis as part of her "Dealbreaker Heart Tour". It was only about six months ago was she just here ...

Most of the first few weeks of February (February 1-February 4) show listing can be found at Super Bowl LII Week in Minneapolis (26 Jan-04 Feb 2018) - A Concert Overview

Other shows in the area:

PAT KEEN
+ Carlisle Evans Peck
Warming House
Fri 02/02/2018 (7:30pm/$10)
thewarminghouse.net

Minneapolis-based Pat Keen will be playing the Warming House in Minneapolis on February 2nd. This is a very small venue that can host about 40 people, so there’s never a bad spot.

Local singer/songwriter and pianist Carlisle Evans Peck to open.

LIMBS / GREAT AMERICAN GHOST
+ Driftless
Opinion Brewing Company
Tue 02/06/2018 (5:30pm/$7)
opinionbrewing.com

Tampa Bay post-hardcore quintet Limbs is playing Opinion Brewery in Newport, Minnesota, this Tuesday, February 6. Limbs’ latest Sleep came out on October 26th via Equal Vision Records.

Great American Ghost will co-headline.

Driftless to open.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

2/2 - Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
2/3 - Buffalo, NY @ Stamps
2/4 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's Bar
2/5 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
2/6 - Newport, MN @ Opinion Brewery
2/7- Omaha, NE @ Lookout Lounge
2/8 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St.
2/9 - Abilene, TX @ My Place Bar
2/10 - Laredo, TX @ Second Chance Music
2/11 - Dallas, TX @ Reno's Chop Shop
2/13 - Memphis, TN @ Growlers
2/14 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
2/15 - Nashville, TN @ The End

ANNA MEREDITH
Aria
Wed 02/07/2018 (7:30pm/$25)
liquidmusic.org

Celebrated UK composer and electronic artist, Anna Meredith is playing Aria in Minneapolis, as part of the unique Walker Art’s Liquid Music series.

If you don’t live near Minneapolis, her next stop will be at the Weitz Center for Creativity in Northfield on February 9th.

Meredith’s debut album, Varmints, is out now on Moshi Moshi.

RACHAEL YAMAGATA
+ Hemming
Icehouse
Wed 02/07/2018 (8pm/$25)
icehousempls.com

Singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata will be returning to the Minneapolis area next Wednesday.

Philadelphia’s Candice Martello, aka Hemming, to open.

Normally, these Icehouse shows starts at 11pm, but this event listing appears to have a regular show start time at 8pm.

MAGIC GIANT
+ The Brevet
7th Street Entry
Wed 02/07/2018 (7:30pm/$15)
first-avenue.com

Magic Giant and South California-based alternative rock band, The Brevet will be at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis this Wednesday, February 7th.

Tour dates:

1/27. Spokane, WA: The Barlett
1/30. Boise, ID: Neurolux
1/31. Salt Lake City, UT: The State Room
2/1. Fort Collins, CO: The Artery
2/2. Denver, CO: Globe Hall
2/3. Denver, CO: Globe Hall
2/6. Kansas City, MO: recordBar
2/7. Minneapolis, MN: 7th St. Entry
2/8. Madison, WI: High Noon
2/9. Chicago, IL: Lincoln Hall
2/10. Columbus, OH: A&R Music Bar
2/11. Ann Arbor, MI: Blind Pig
2/13. Toronto, ON: Mod Club
2/15. New York, NY: Bowery Ballroom
2/16. Boston, MA: Brighton Music Hall
2/17. Philadelphia, PA: The Foundry
2/18. Washington, DC: U Street Music Hall
2/20. Carrboro, NC: Cat’s Cradle Back Room
2/21. Atlanta, GA: Aisle 5
2/22. Mobile, Al: The Merry Widow
2/23. Houston, TX: Warehouse Live Studio
2/24. Austin, TX: Stubbs Jr.
2/25. Dallas, TX: Three Links
2/27. Tucson, AZ: Club Congress
2/28. Phoenix, AZ: Crescent Ballroom

96.3 GO SHOW
Featuring Sir Sly
+ Miles The DJ, John Chuck & The Class
Fine Line Music Cafe
Thu 02/08/2018 (8pm/$35)
finelinemusic.com

There’s another Go Show taking place on February 8th, featuring Sir Sly and hosted by Miles the DJ.

Opening the show will be John Chuck and the Class.

POPPY
The Cedar Cultural Center
Thu 02/08/2018 (7pm/$20)
thecedar.org

Internet sensation Poppy (previously known as That Poppy) will be bringing her live show to the Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, February 8. Find out if she has feelings and if she’s a robot…

ZZ WARD
+ Billy Raffoul
First Avenue
Thu 02/08/2018 (7pm/$30)
first-avenue.com

Critically acclaimed bluesy recording artist ZZ Ward is back, this time to headline First Avenue on February 8th. ZZ Ward’s latest album The Storm is out now.

Billy Raffoul will open.

Tour dates:

1/30/2018 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
2/1/2018 Ft. Collins, CO Aggie Theatre
2/2/2018 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
2/3/2018 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
2/5/2018 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room
2/6/2018 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
2/8/2018 Minneapolis, MN First Ave
2/9/2018 Chicago, IL House of Blues
2/10/2018 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom
2/12/2018 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
2/13/2018 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
2/15/2018 New York, NY Irving Plaza
2/16/2018 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
2/17/2018 Boston, MA Paradise Club
2/19/2018 South Burlington, VT Higher Ground Ballroom
2/20/2018 Montreal, QC Club Soda
2/21/2018 Toronto, ON Mod Club
2/24/2018 Clearwater, FL Clearwater Sea-Blue Festival
3/3/2018 Seattle, WA The Showbox
3/4/2018 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
3/6/2018 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
3/7/2018 San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
3/9/2018 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom
3/10/2018 San Diego, CA House of Blues
3/11/2018 Los Angeles, CA Fonda Theatre

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

Rocktober: October 6, 2017

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from October 6, 2017.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Frankie Rose Guess who is opening up for Franz Ferdinand for all their U.S. tour dates? That's right, Frankie Rose. She'll be here on Wednesday at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis..…

FRANKIE ROSE
at Turf Club
Friday 10/06/2017 (8pm/$12)
turfclub.net

It’s been four years since we last saw Frankie Rose when the former Dum Dum Girls drummer went solo.

Rose is back now with her fourth studio album Cage Tropical (Slumberland Records and Grey Market) and she’ll be stopping by the Turf Club in St Paul this October 6th.

Originally UK’s Splashh was supposed to open, but due to “immigration problems” set by Donald Trump’s administration (according to Splashh anyway), they had to cancel their U.S. tour.

Instead, Suburban Living and DJ Jake Rudh will happily take their place.

Tour Dates:

09/30 - Vancouver - Biltmore
10/02 - Salt Lake City - Kilby Court
10/03 - Denver - Globe Hall
10/06 - St Paul - Turf Club
10/07 - Chicago - Empty Bottle
10/08 - Detroit - Ufo Factory
10/09 - Pittsburgh - Club Cafe
10/10 - Buffalo - Studio At Waiting Room
10/11 - Allston - Great Scott
10/12- New York - Rough Trade
10/17 - Brighton - The Joker
10/18 - London - Moth Club
10/19 - Manchester - Castle
10/20 - Edinburgh - Sneaky Pete
10/21 - Coventry - Kasbah
10/22 - Nottingham - Bodega
10/24 - Leeds - Brudenell Social Club
10/25 - Turnbridge Wells - The Forum
10/26 - Antwerp - Trix Club
10/27 - Eindhoven - Dutch Design Week
10/28 - Amsterdam - London Calling
10/30 - Limoges - Le Phare
10/31 - Paris - Pitchfork Avant Garde
11/01 - Cologne - Mtc
11/02 - Berlin - Badehause
11/04 - Sion - Le Port Franc
11/05 - Zurich - Paplersaal
11/06 - Munich - Backstage Club
11/07 - Vienna - B72

Read More Jr. Jr. Detroit duo Jr Jr (Josh Epstein and Daniel Zott) - formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Minneapolis trio Denny (Alex, Jack, and Sully). … ZZ Ward Thanks to massive support from local radio station Cities 97, ZZ Ward has consistently sold out all her shows in the Twin Cities. …

Other shows in the area:

10/06/2017 Detroit duo Jr. Jr. (formerly Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) will be playing at the Fine Line Music Café on Friday, with Hembree

JR JR North American Fall Tour Dates

10/5 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
10/6 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line
10/7 - Kansas City, MO - Record Bar
10/9 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
10/10 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
10/12 - Seattle, WA - Neumos
10/13 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne
10/14 - San Francisco, CA - Independent
10/16 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow's
10/17 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
10/19 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey
10/20 - San Diego, CA - Irenic
10/21 - Phoenix, AZ - Lost Lake Music Fest
10/22 - Santa Fe, NM - Meow Wolf
10/24 - Dallas, TX - Trees
10/25 - Austin, TX - Mohawk
10/26 - Houston, TX - WOMH
10/27 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn
10/28 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade - Hell Stage
10/30 - Nashville, TN - Basement East
10/31 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
11/02 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
11/03 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
11/04 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
11/05 - Cambridge, MA - Sinclair
11/07 - Buffalo, NY - Waiting Room
11/08 - Toronto, ON - Velvet Underground
11/09 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
11/17 - Detroit, MI - El Club
11/18 - Detroit, MI - El Club

9pm, $16.

10/06/2017 Mark Chesnutt, who previously had to cancel a couple of UK shows no thanks to Hurricane Harvey, will be in town at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina, Minnesota. The Devon Worley Band to open.

Tour Dates:

09/30 Central Washington State Fair - Yakima, WA
10/06 Medina Ent Center - Medina, MN
10/07 Q & Z Expo Center - Ringle, WI
10/14 Municipal Auditorium - Nashville, TN
10/15 Showplace Music Hall - Memphis, TN
10/20 Arlington Music Hall - Arlington, TX
10/21 Highland Bayou Park - La Marque, TX
10/27 Space Coast State Fair - Melbourne, FL
10/28 Coastal Carolina Fair - Ladson, SC
11/08 American Bandstand Theater - Branson, MO
11/10 The Center for the Perf Arts - Carmel, IN
11/11 Meyer Theatre - Green Bay, WI
12/01 Memorial Auditorium - Chattanooga, TN
12/02 Freedom Hall Civic Center - Johnson City, TN
12/03 Knoxville Coliseum - Knoxville, TN
12/08 Coach’s & Cowboy’s - Tyler, TX
12/09 Dosey Doe - Conroe, TX
12/16 Midnight Rodeo Mobile - Mobile, AL

7:30pm, $28.82.

10/06/2017 Icelandic band Kaleo and ZZ Ward will be in Minneapolis at the State Theatre this Friday.

Tour dates:

10/02/2017 Revention Music Center Houston, TX
10/04/2017 Arvest Bank Theatre Kansas City, MO
10/06/2017 State Theatre Minneapolis, MN
10/07/2017 Orpheum Theater Madison, WI
10/11/2017 The Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
10/14/2017 The Anthem Washington, DC
10/16/2017 House Of Blues Boston Boston, MA
10/18/2017 Tower Theater Upper Darby, PA
10/20/2017 The Dome Wallingford, CT
10/21/2017 Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY
10/29/2017 Event Halle Basel Basel, Switzerland
10/31/2017 O2 Apollo Manchester Manchester
11/01/2017 Roundhouse London
11/03/2017 Barrowland Glasgow
11/04/2017 O2 Academy Birmingham Birmingham

7:30pm, $35.

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

Minneapolis: June 1 to June 3, 2017

Read More Marian Hill With over 20 million stream son Spotify and 65 million loops on Vine, Marian Hill will soon be in Minneapolis next Tuesday at 7th Street Entry in support of her latest EP Sway (Photo Finish/Republic Records). ...

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from June 1 to June 3, 2017.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

MARIAN HILL
at First Avenue
Thursday 06/01/17 (7pm/$26/Sold Out)
first-avenue.com

The last time we saw Marian Hill, we said, “Based on the strong attendance and demand for more Marian Hill songs, the group will likely return to Minneapolis...” We knew they had a big local support, but selling out First Avenue’s mainroom is pretty impressive.

Opia (Cole and Jacob) to open.

Tour dates:

05/30 - St Andrews - Detroit MI
06/01 - First Avenue - Minneapolis MN
06/02 - Power and Light - Kansas City MO
06/03 - Ogden Theatre - Denver CO
06/06 - Rio - Vancouver BC
06/06 - Fortune - Vancouver BC
06/07 - Moore - Seattle WA
06/08 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland OR
06/11 - Sun Radio Show - Philadelphia PA
06/14 - The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles CA
06/15 - The Fonda Theater - Los Angeles, CA
06/16 - Observatory North Park - San Diego CA
06/17 - Observatory - Santa Ana CA
06/24 - Mamby On The Beach - Chicago, IL
06/21 - Karoondinha Festival - Gregg Township, PA

Read More Rodrigo y Gabriela Rodrigo y Gabriela are truly in a class all their own, playing a unique blend of flamenco, hard rock, soul, and classical in what they call acoustic metal. The pair first met as thrash … Ryan Sheridan Ryan Sheridan August 19, 2016 Douglason September 26, 2016 Fantastic …

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
at First Avenue
Friday 06/02/17 (8pm/$37)
first-avenue.com

With the 10 year anniversary deluxe re-issue of the break-out debut album Rodrigo y Gabriela, the Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela is playing First Avenue this Friday as part of their “10 Year Anniversary Tour”.

Ryan Sheridan will open.

Tour dates:

5/28 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
5/31 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater
6/2 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
6/3 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
6/4 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
6/6 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
6/8 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel
6/9 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
6/10 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
6/11 - Washington DC - 9:30 Club
6/14 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
8/4 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery

Read More ZZ Ward Thanks to massive support from local radio station Cities 97, ZZ Ward has consistently sold out all her shows in the Twin Cities. …

ZZ WARD
at Fine Line Music Cafe
Friday 06/02/17 (8pm/$25/Sold Out)
finelinemusic.com

Popular bluesy singer ZZ Ward is playing the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis... of course it’s sold out. ZZ's upcoming full album, The Storm is set for release on June 30th.

Cat Clyde is opening.

Tour as follows:

05/31/17 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
06/02/17 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Cafe
06/03/17 Denver, CO Bluebird
06/08/17 San Francisco, CA The Independent
06/09/17 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy
06/11/17 San Diego, CA Belly Up
06/14/17 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
06/20/17 Austin, TX The Parish
06/21/17 Dallas, TX The Kessler
06/22/17 Nashville, TN 3rd and Lindsley
10/02/17 Houston, TX Revention Music Ctr **
10/04/17 Kansas City, MO The Mid **
10/7/17 Madison, WI Orpheum Theatre **
10/16/17 Boston, MA House of Blues **
10/20/17 Wallingford, CT The Dome **

**Dates supporting Kaleo

Read More Fuel Fuel was next. Despite being called "post-grunge", the truth is the band existed well before 90s grunge. Originally known as Small the Joy, they decided to change their name … Marcy Playground I've always thought Marcy Playground is a Minnesota band, but they were only named after John Wozniak's childhood Marcy Open grade school in Minneapolis. In 1997, Marcy Playground ..…

ROCK'N ROAD TRIP '17
feat. Fuel, Dishwalla, and Marcy Playground
at Medina Entertainment Center
Saturday 06/03/17 (6pm/$35.26)
medinaentertainment.com

Re-live your childhood with your favorite 90s bands at the Rock ‘N Road Trip ‘17 show, featuring Fuel, Dishwalla, and Marcy Playground.

We saw Fuel in July 2015 and noted, “Fuel was next. Despite being called "post-grunge", the truth is the band existed well before 90s grunge. Originally known as Small the Joy, they decided to change their name to something unsearchable (Fuel) in the mid-90s. They played it safe and ended with their biggest hit song ‘Hemorrhage (In My Hands)’.”

Platinum selling Santa Barbara rockers Dishwalla is excited to release Juniper Road, their new record in over a decade! The record was produced by Sylvia Massy (Prince, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and recorded at Eric Burdon’s (The Animals, War) retreat in Joshua tree, CA. In addition, the band also celebrate their 20th Anniversary Edition of Counting Blue Cars.

Remember Marcy Playground? They had that massive ‘Sex & Candy’ hit.

Tour dates:

05/31/2017 Arcada Theatre Saint Charles, IL
06/02/2017 Ribfest Sioux Falls, SD
06/03/2017 Medina Entertainment Ctr Medina, MN
06/04/2017 Altoona Hobbs Sports Ctr Altoona, WI
06/06/2017 Kanza Hall Overland Park, KS
06/08/2017 Herman's Hideaway Denver, CO
06/10/2017 Fremont St Exp Las Vegas, NV
06/24/2017 Penn's Peak Jim Thorpe, PA
06/29/2017 Stars & Stripes Fest Novi, MI
07/01/2017 Soaring Eagle Casino Mount Pleasant, MI
07/04/2017 Bottle & Cork Dewey Beach, DE
07/06/2017 Jergels Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA
07/28/2017 B.B. King Blues Club New York, NY
07/29/2017 Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ
07/30/2017 Paramount Huntington, NY
08/04/2017 Hooligans Music Hall Jacksonville, NC
08/25/2017 Morongo Casino Resort Cabazon, CA
08/26/2017 Xfinity Arena At Everett Everett, WA
08/27/2017 Town Toyota Center Wenatchee, WA

Read More Norah Jones Norah Jones is currently on tour with Cory Chisel in support of her album Little Broken Hearts. Her appearance at the sold-out Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis last night proves to …

NORAH JONES
at Northrop Auditorium
Saturday 06/03/17 (8pm/$58)
northrop.umn.edu

Norah Jones is back in town to promote her new record Day Breaks. The sixth studio album features nine new songs and three covers.

The Candles will join their long-time collaborator on the tour this June. Their latest album Matter + Spirit came out December 16, 2016 on The End Records. Thanks to their strong single ‘Move Along’, the band racked up over 657K Spotify streams.

The band will continue to the tour to Europe with Jones for the July leg of the tour, including shows in France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.

The Candles U.S. Tour Dates w/ Norah Jones

6/02 - Riverside Theater; Milwaukee, WI
6/03 - Northrop Auditorium; Minneapolis, MN
6/05 - Orpheum Theater; Omaha, NE
6/06 - Peabody Opera House; St. Louis, MO
6/08 - Mud Island Amphitheatre; Memphis, TN
6/09 - Brady Theater; Tulsa, OK
6/12 - Stubb's BBQ; Austin, TX
6/14 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre; Morrison, CO

Read More Anaïs Mitchell Anaïs Mitchell was put together to encourage voter engagement drive in conjunction with the League of Women Voters. The “Use Your Voice Tour 2016,” produced by Columbia Artists .... PWR BTTM PWR BTTM were a lot more pop than I expected them to be. For some reason because of their name I expected them to be a raucous and angsty punker band. Well, maybe they are a bit angsty .... 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" ... Joan Shelley Louisville native Joan Shelley came on next to pierce all of our hearts with her haunting Appalachian-inspired meditations and gorgeous voice reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Gillian Welch. … Tom Petty That's not all, the big controversy was that (recently) Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne are now listed as co-writers because of the song's similarities to Petty's song "I Won't Back Down". …

Other shows in the area:

06/01/17 Anais Mitchell and Frances Luke Accord to play the Turf Club in St Paul this Thursday. 7pm, $15.

06/01/17 Bloomington, Indiana’s Hoops will be in town headlining the 7th Street Entry in support of their debut record Routines (Fat Possum). They are bringing their friends from Grand Rapids, Parts (Alyssa Midcalf and Marley Ferguson) as opener. 7:30pm, $10.

06/01/17 Not surprised that Pwr Bttm canceled their appearance at Triple Rock Social Club. You see, earlier this month (May 2017), one half of the duo Ben Hopkins was accused with sexual assault by an anonymous woman. This quickly led to the band being dropped by Father/Daughter Records, and the band was forced to cancel their tour to get to the, er, bottom of this.

Hopkins responded, “What has transpired over the past several days has been emotionally overwhelming and difficult to comprehend. Last Thursday, I learned that an anonymous individual had made an allegation of sexual assault against me. This allegation was devastating to me as it is contrary to the intentional way I seek to interact with those around me. As I digested the allegations, I tried to figure out who the individual might be so that I could try to reconcile what I had read with my memory of any particular sexual interaction. I’ve waited to respond to the Jezebel article because the statements made about me by the anonymous source did not line up with any sexual experience I have ever had.” He figured out who it was and said that he believed “our interactions to be fully consensual” and “we continued to exchange texts, including as recently as March of this year. I had no indication before last week that she had any concerns about our interaction.”

Nnamdi Ogbonnaya was to open... $14/canceled.

06/02/17 Chastity Brown is back at the Fitzgerald Theater. 8pm, $15.

06/02/17 Joan Shelley is playing the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater. We saw Shelly in October 2015 and wrote, “Louisville native Joan Shelley came on next to pierce all of our hearts with her haunting Appalachian-inspired meditations and gorgeous voice reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Gillian Welch. Her recent offering, Over and Even, came out in September and has already cast its spell over much of the music world. For the song “Not Over By Half,” Johnson came out to duet with Shelley and, let me tell ya, those two made some intoxicating harmonies together - like there should be some kind of surgeon general’s warning on these kinds of performances: Music May Cause Lightheadedness and Swooning.” Jake Xerxes Fussell to open. 6pm/9:30pm, $12.

06/03/17 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to headline Xcel Energy Center in St Paul. Joe Walsh to open. 6pm, $49.50.

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

ZZ Ward, w/ Marc Scibilia and the Young Wild at First Avenue, Minneapolis (26 September 2015)

poster ZZ Ward Setlist Put the Gun Down Til the Casket Drops If I Could Be Her OVERdue Cinnamon Stix Got It Bad Lonely Ride Or Die Rescue Chains (Nick Jonas cover) Charlie Ain't Home Lil' Darlin Marry Well Criminal Move Like U Stole It Blue Eyes Blind -- Encore -- 365 Days LOVE 3X Marc Scibilia Setlist Wide Open Arms The Shape I'm In Better Man Like Jericho Bright Day Coming Can't Feel My Face (The Weeknd cover) Everybody is Somebody How Bad We Need Each Other Young Wild Setlist Heartbeat Living or Dreaming Evl Hrs All The Luck Out in the Wild Not a One Moment Goes Read More ZZ Ward Thanks to massive support from local radio station Cities 97, ZZ Ward has consistently sold out all her shows in the Twin Cities. … Marc Scibilia Newcomer Marc Scibilia opened on this night with a stripped down but solid set of soulful folk rock, many culled from his latest third EP, The Shape I’m In (Hickory Records/Sony/ATV) ... The Young Wild The Young Wild is Bryan B William (singer/guitarist), Gareth Moore (bassist) and Brandon Zedaker (drums). Look for the California band's debut album sometime in 2016 ...

Blue eyes pop/blues singer ZZ Ward recently played a double show in "Dirty Minneapolis" at First Avenue on September 25 and 26th. The Friday show was sold out, but you can catch the broadcast via Yahoo Live.

The Young Wild

First of the three bands was The Young Wild with a 30 minute set. The last time we mentioned the band, we said they were a trio (guitarist/singer Bryan B William, bassist Gareth Moore, and drummer Brandon Zedaker)... but seeing them live, apparently they added a fourth band member called Vanessa Nelson as vocalist.

According to the band, this was only their second night on tour, but they were really excited to be on a national tour with ZZ Ward (especially playing at the historical First Avenue).

As expected with a brand new band, they only had a handful of songs to preview for us - including a brand new song they called "Not a One" (which sounded like they said "901" when I first heard it announced). The new single is available for purchase via Fairfax Recordings.

Marc Scibilia

Marc Scibilia was up next, wearing a white Kellogg's t-shirt, launched into a high energy version of "Wide Open Arms". We previously caught the young singer/songwriter with Butch Walker in 2013 when he was touring with only one other guitarist. He mentioned that he would like to come back with a full band, and as promised, this time around, he's joined by a three piece backing band.

Scibilia moved back and forth from piano to guitar throughout his 40-minute set, which included some songs from his forthcoming Out of Style album and a cover of The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face". For the finale, ZZ Ward's guitarist joined in on "How Bad We Need Each Other."

ZZ Ward has a very strong following in Minneapolis, often selling out every time she played here (thanks to local radio station Cities 97). I have criticized that in the three years that she played in Minneapolis (First Avenue (22 March 2014), Skyway Theatre (12 October 2013), Basilica Block Party (12 July 2013), Varsity Theater (22 February 2013), and Nether Bar (16 September 2012)), that she was basically playing the same songs from her debut album Til the Casket Drops (Hollywood Records).

This 2015 Love and War Tour is the first time that ZZ Ward is previewing some of her new songs from her forthcoming 2016 album This Means War ("Lonely", "Ride or Die", "Rescue Me"). Based on the strong response for "Love 3x" from the recently released Love and War EP, she has a big hit on her hands.

Dressed in a 'love and war' look of a red dress with black hat and belt and gladiator-type heels, ZZ Ward's 80 minute set consisted of part street, part blues, part rock sound.

As with previous ZZ Ward shows, she can be seen playing the harmonica, which she pulled out for "If I Could Be Her" and "Chains", a dark cover of the Nick Jonas song.

Highlight of the show was for the double song encore, starting with the classic singalong "365 Days" on piano. For the second song, "Love 3X", ZZ Ward performed in the crowd... making for a very satisfying ending, especially when the audience is singing back "Love! Love! Love!".

The "Love and War" tour continues:

09/29/15 St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
09/30/15 Lawrence, KS @ Granda Theater
10/02/15 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
10/03/15 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
10/04/15 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
10/07/15 Spokane, WA @ The Knitting Factory
10/08/15 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
10/09/15 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
10/11/15 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/16/15 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
10/17/15 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theater
10/18/15 San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues

ZZ Ward at First Avenue, Minneapolis (26 September 2015)

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

Forever Young

Please read more Young Bands and The Young and the Restless.

Read More ZZ Ward Thanks to massive support from local radio station Cities 97, ZZ Ward has consistently sold out all her shows in the Twin Cities. …

THE YOUNG WILD
theyoungwild.com

Fairfax Recordings' new signee The Young Wild is currently touring the country with ZZ Ward. Speaking from seeing ZZ Ward live several times, I can tell you that attendance to her shows are terrific (I believe she sold out every time she played in Minneapolis), thanks to support from radio station Cities 97. Her upcoming Minneapolis show (September 25) sold out, so I believe she's actually added another date (September 26) due to demands.

The Young Wild is Bryan B William (singer/guitarist), Gareth Moore (bassist) and Brandon Zedaker (drums). Look for the California band's debut album sometime in 2016. In the meantime, check out their new single "Not A One", via Soundcloud (available for purchase at the usual online sources like iTunes and Google and Amazon).

The Young Wild Tour Dates with ZZ Ward

09/07/15 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theater
09/08/15 Charleston, SC @ Music Farm
09/09/15 Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
09/11/15 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
09/12/15 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
09/13/15 Boston, MA @ Royale
09/18/15 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
09/20/15 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
09/22/15 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
09/23/15 Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
09/25/15 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue Mainroom
09/26/15 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue Mainroom
09/27/15 Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
09/29/15 St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
09/30/15 Lawrence, KS @ Granda Theater
10/02/15 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
10/03/15 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
10/04/15 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
10/07/15 Spokane, WA @ The Knitting Factory
10/08/15 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
10/09/15 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
10/11/15 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/16/15 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
10/17/15 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theater
10/18/15 San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues

Read More Jacco Gardner Netherlands' Jacco Gardner at 7th Street Entry, on tour now in support of Hypnophobia (Polyvinyl). Calvin Love to open. Love's latest Super Future will be available on 6/16 on Arts …

YOUNGHUSBAND
facebook.com

London's Younghusband recently shared "Waverly Street," the second single from their upcoming second album Dissolver (ATP Recordings) via CMJ.

The UK band is also currently touring with Jacco Gardner, as well as returning for a UK headline tour in November with support from fellow ATP Recordings artist Grimm Grimm.

Tour with Jacco Gardner:

09/15 @ Brighton, Sticky Mike's
09/16 @ Bristol, Louisiana
09/17 @ Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
09/18 @ Coventry, The Tin Music & Arts
09/19 @ Sheffield, Leadmill
09/20 @ Nottingham, Bodega
09/22 @ Leeds, Brudenell Games Room
09/23 @ Stockton, Georgian Theatre
09/24 @ Glasgow, King Tuts Wah Wah Club

Headlining tour:

11/10 @ Glasgow, The Hug and Pint
11/11 @ York, The Basement
11/12 @ Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge
11/13 @ Leicester, The Cookie Jar
11/14 @ Sheffield, Cornershop
11/15 @ Manchester, Eagle Inn
11/16 @ London, The Moth Club
11/17 @ Cambridge, The Portland Arms

 

WILL YOUNG
willyoung.co.uk

Multi-million selling Brit Award winning singer-songwriter Will Young recently released his new single for "Joy", on Island Records (impact date of September 25th), taken from his fourth #1 album, 85% Proof. I do not believe the album is available in the USA.

Along with the success of 85% Proof, Young has confirmed his long-awaited UK "Love Revolution Tour" – his first nation-wide tour in four years.

The Love Revolution Tour dates in full:

10/29 York Barbican (Sold Out)
10/30 Liverpool Empire
11/01 Plymouth Pavilions
11/02 Brighton Centre
11/04 Birmingham Symphony Hall
11/05 Cambridge Corn Exchange
11/06 Southend Cliffs Pavilion (Sold Out)
11/08 Dublin Olympia Theatre
11/09 Belfast Waterfront
11/11 Newcastle City Hall
11/13 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
11/14 Blackpool Opera House
11/16 Birmingham Symphony Hall
11/17 Ipswich Regent Theatre (Sold Out)
11/18 Cardiff St David's Hall
11/20-Nov Bristol Colston Hall (Sold Out)
11/21 Llandudno Venue Cymru
11/22 Manchester Apollo
11/24 Oxford New Theatre
11/25 Swindon Oasis
11/26 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
11/28 Bournemouth BIC
11/29 London Eventim Apollo Hammersmith Haded

YOUNG EMPIRES
youngempires.com

Toronto-based Young Empires just recently released their debut album The Gates (Votiv) last Friday, September 4th.

Typical with a new album, the band will be heading out on tour in support of it. Notable stops includes Los Angeles' The Echo on September 11 and The Empty Bottle in Chicago on September 27.

Tour dates:

09/06/15 Calgary, AB Fort Calgary Historic Park
09/07/15 Los Angeles, CA The Avalon
09/08/15 San Diego, CA - The Casbah
09/09/15 Fullerton, CA - Continental Room
09/11/15 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo
09/12/15 San Francisco, CA - Neck Of The Woods
09/13/15 Washington, D.C. - U Street Music Hall
09/15/15 Portland, OR - Analog Theater
09/16/15 Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
09/17/15 Vancouver, BC Fortune Sound Club
09/19/15 Rifflandia Music Festival
09/24/15 Buffalo, NY - Waiting Room
09/26/15 Cincinnati, OH - Midpoint Music Festival
09/27/15 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle

BRIEFLY:

YOUNGSMITH youngsmith.com.au Australia's Youngsmith will be releasing "Wither" this September 18th, 2015. The 33 year old Brisbane songwriter had this to say about the song, "The song came to me at a point in my life when I was feeling totally powerless. I was trying to hold onto my sanity, my relationship and avoiding all my thoughts and feelings. I kept on waiting for the pain to go away but it wouldn't. So, I put it into this song." Upcoming Show: November 5th - The Triffid, Newstead QLD

CONNER YOUNGBLOOD conneryoungblood.com Nashville by way of Dallas artist Conner Youngblood recently released "Stockholm," his first official release of 2015. The track's release comes in conjunction with the announcement that The Generation of Lift, his sophomore EP, will be out this October. While growing up in Dallas, Connor began playing clarinet and banjo in middle school and eventually started writing and recording songs in his college dorm at Yale. He's influenced by Elliott Smith, Gorillaz, and Sufjan Stevens, etc. We previously saw him with Angus & Julia Stone in 2014.

NEIL YOUNG neilyoung.com Look we love Neil Young. You may know that he thinks MP3s stinks and made an effort to create PonoMusic, the high-resolution music company. PonoMusic and Young recently announced that any music purchased via Ponomusic.com, regardless of its resolution, will be upgraded FREE if a Higher Resolution version becomes available. PonoMusic is the first and only music store offering this feature. I know I'm in the minority, but personally, I can't hear the differences, so asking me to purchase new (expensive) equipment to hear high-res songs is a non-starter for me... at least right now.

YOUNG & SICK youngandsick.com Nick van Hofwegen (aka Young & Sick) teamed up with JD Samson (from MEN/Le Tigre) as a band called Sharer. Their first single "Body Tonight" was released in August 2015, and was remixed by LEFTI and Midnight Magic. Young & Sick talked about his collaboration with JD Samson, "I used to go see JD simply as a fan while living in London. Her live shows were always absolutely fantastic, leaving me a sweaty mess. When the opportunity arose for me to work with her, I jumped at it. A few months later, here is the beginning of our new friendship. I couldn't be more excited to share it."

RABID YOUNG rabidyoung.com Las Vegas based rockers Rabid Young recently premiered their first single called "Not Enough" on PopMatters, who noted the bands "grandiose synth pop holds nothing back on its cinematic groove". "Not Enough" is off the bands forthcoming, EP 1, which will be released October 2nd

YOUNG POETS facebook.com Melbourne indie rock band Young Poets (not to be confused with America's Hungry Young Poets or London's Young Poets) recently released their single "Wanna Be Right" on September 4th via Tape Records. The single is taken from their forthcoming Crashes EP.

FINE, IT'S PINK facebook.com "Young Burns" is the new song from Romanian dreamy-psych-rock band Fine, It's Pink. Look for their debut single on September 25, 2015. You can hear "Young Burns" now on Soundcloud.

YOUTH ALLOWANCE facebook.com Australian band Youth Allowance was formed in 2013 (like many of these bands listed here). The Brisbane quartet's latest song is called "Running", taken from their forthcoming EP in October.

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

Minneapolis Music Guide: March 16-March 22, 2014

The Stone Blindtango Read More Prince Step aside William and Harry, there’s a new Prince in town! His Purpleness, backed by band 3rdEyeGirl, has been popping up all over London in a series of surprise shows. …

Here is a guide of some Minneapolis (and St Paul) shows next week: March 16-March 22. Looks great this week, since bands are touring post-SXSW and stopping by Minneapolis on their way across the country... and seemingly only playing at the 7th Street Entry!

MARCH 16: 7TH STREET ENTRY
André Cymone w/ American Youth

Longtime collaborator and mentor to Prince, André Cymone is back with The Stone (February 18, 2014, via Blindtango). The album mark a rather long 27 year hiatus for this legendary singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist.

So far, only two dates are confirmed, but expect Cymone to return with a more national tour later this year.

03/16/14 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
03/31/14 The Bowery Electric, New York

Opening up the Minneapolis show is four-piece American Youth. The band is described as "feel-good heartland indie-rock whilst mixing atmospheric soundscapes and folk," which sounds like typical mid-west heartland/Americana music (at least to me)... even though the band said that that they want to break that cliché mold.

Tour Poster Read More News: Augustines are currently touring North America Augustines are currently touring North America. The band played Los Angeles' Troubadour last night and are set …

MARCH 17: 7TH STREET ENTRY
Augustines w/ My Goodness

Augustines- “We Are”…no more?

The Brooklyn trio, now relocated to Seattle, has returned with their second effort, a confident self-titled album (Caroline/Oxcart Records) that also reclaims their original band name (resolving a trademark issue), and after rising from the ashes of previous band, Pela.

Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson along with UK drummer Rob Allen spin their own unique take on a no-frills indie-rock sound that is more developed and less bittersweet than their previous effort, and continues to tour with memorable and passionate live performances.

The Wall Street Journal describes their latest effort as “a stirring, soulful record, full of sweeping hooks on expansive songs that strike a balance between hopeful and melancholy."

Expect a couple Pela songs in concert, as well as maybe a Damien Jurado cover as well.

Tour dates:

14 Mar 2014 Cleveland Heights, OH Grog Shop 15 Mar 2014 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall 17 Mar 2014 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry 18 Mar 2014 St Louis, MO Firebird 19 Mar 2014 Kansas City, MO Riot Room 21 Mar 2014 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge 10 Apr 2014 Leeds, West Yorkshire Cockpit 11 Apr 2014 Glasgow, Scotland Arches 12 Apr 2014 Gateshead, Newcastle The Sage 2 14 Apr 2014 London Koko 16 Apr 2014 Manchester Academy 2 17 Apr 2014 Bristol, Avon Trinity Center 23 Apr 2014 Zurich , Switzerland Bogen F 24 Apr 2014 Lausanne , Switzerland Les Docks

25 Apr 2014 Clap Your Hands Festival 27 Apr 2014 Melkweg Oude Zaal 28 Apr 2014 Hamburg Gruenspan 29 Apr 2014 Frankfurt Batschkapp 01 May 2014 Heidelberg Karlstorbahnhof 02 May 2014 Munich Hansa 39 03 May 2014 Berlin Heimathafen 05 May 2014 Bevrijdingsfestival 06 May 2014 Cologne Luxor 10 May 2014 Sheffield, S. Yorkshire Plug 11 May 2014 Nottingham, Notts Rescue Rooms 12 May 2014 Oxford O2 Academy 14 May 2014 Liverpool East Village Arts Club 15 May 2014 Edinburgh, Midlothian Liquid Room 16 May 2014 Birmingham Institute

ZZ Ward at the Skyway Theatre, Minneapolis (10/12/13)

Setlist Tour Dates 10/14/13 St. Louis, MO Firebird 10/15/13 Chicago, IL House Of Blues 10/26/13 Life Is Beautiful Festival 11/01/13 Voodoo Experience Read More ZZ Ward Finally Saturday, we have ZZ Ward at the Skyway Theatre. Yes, the same theater that my first time will be on Wednesday for Franz Ferdinand, so this venue is booking some really good musicians! … Alpha Rev The evening started with an effective opening set from Austin-based Alpha Rev, whose current song, “Sing Loud” is on heavy rotation on local radio from their recently released full-length, Bloom (Kirtland Records). … James Bay James Bay's debut acoustic EP The Dark of the Morning is coming out July 22, 2013, on Republic Records. Before the EP, a lead single, "Move Together", was released last Monday.…

ZZ Ward's The Down and Dirty Shine Tour stopped by the sold-out Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis last night, October 12th. Not related to the tour, the venue was also hosting the infamous Minneapolis Zombie Pub Crawl after-party show the same night, which ZZ Ward was extremely excited about.

JAMES BAY

Starting at eight was James Bay, a young singer/songwriter from Hitchin, England. This was the last night of The Down and Dirty Shine Tour, but it was a strong finish. You can hear how excited Bay was when he noted how "f***ng incredible" it was to see the large audience turnout early in the evening.

Songs on his brief 30 minute set included songs from his EP The Dark of the Morning, including his intro song "When We Were On Fire", "Need The Sun To Break", and "Move Together".

After this, Bay will fly to New York to play some CMJ Showcases (yes, we are covering CMJ this year) before returning to his country for an Autumn tour with Kodaline.

ALPHA REV

The last time we saw Alpha Rev, they opened up for the sold-out Ben Rector show at the Varsity Theater (05/03/13). Setlist was seemingly from their Summer show, right down to the large phone number (512-402-7600) you can text to and that bluesy version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". However, instead of starting with the popular "Sing Loud", they saved that secret weapon until near the end. During that song, based on the audience's reaction, that was the reason why Alpha Rev is so popular here. At one point, singer Casey McPherson confessed that, "Minneapolis sold more CDs for us than any other city."

Like Bay, last night show was the Austin-based band's last show on the ZZ Ward tour. After this, they return home to play some shows in the Texas area and then some dates on east coast in November.

ZZ Ward's never-ending 365 day tour is nearing its end. They still have a couple more shows to do before she can finally take a break. Songs were similar to the last time we saw ZZ in July (07/12/13). As you can see from the setlist (see blurry photo), that "New Intro" is actually pretty dramatic. The lights were off and as the crowd got restless, you start to hear some drums. It builds up and suddenly you see ZZ Ward on stage as she kicks into "OVERdue".

With only one album Til The Casket Drops under her belt, she basically did all those songs, including the title track and all her hits. The biggest recent radio hit single, "365 Days" got the best singalong. Even less-popular songs like "Charlie Ain't Home" and "Cryin' Wolf" had equally strong reaction.

Like her previous set, she did a cover of Son House's "Grinnin' In Your Face", still ZZ Ward's favorite song since she heard it a cappella style. New to her set was "Lil' Darlin'" which is on her album, but they finally got around to working in this song on this new tour.

Encore was "Blue Eyes Blind", which got a long introduction about the Zombie Pub Crawl and then taking a picture of the audience for her scrapbook.

It's obvious to me that ZZ Ward loves coming to Minneapolis, thanks to strong support from local radio Cities '97 station, and she'll continue to come back here for many years to come. ZZ Ward's debut album Til The Casket Drops is out now via Hollywood Records.

ZZ Ward at the Skyway Theatre, Minneapolis (10/12/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ jamesbaymusic.com ♥ alpharev.com ♥ zzward.com

Rocktober Round Two

Read More Cave Chicago's Cave was a little more my thing. Let me preface this by announcing that their music is not "drone". I don't know why the band is labeled as such, they sound to me like classic instrumental surf rock..…

CAVE
facebook.com

For Rocktober week two, here are the shows coming to Minneapolis.

Starting on Sunday, we have Cave. The "none-drone" band will be out in support of their new album Threace (coming out October 15th on Drag City).

I've seen this Chicago band before, opening up for Chelsea Light Moving (Thurston Moore) and was rather impressed with their ability to build up their instrumental rock.

Cave tour dates:

10/04 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverwest Public House
10/06 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Belmore
10/08 - Missoula, MT @ VFW
10/09 - Olympia, WA @ Northern
10/10 - Bellingham, WA @ The Shakedown
10/11 - Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
10/12 - Portland, OR @ Dante's
10/13 - Eugene, OR @ Old Whiteaker
10/14 - Eureka, CA @ The Ink Annex
10/15 - Sacramento, CA @ Bows & Arrows
10/16 - San Francisco, CA @ Elbo Room
10/17 - Oakland, CA @ LCM
10/20 - Tucson, AZ @ Solar Culture
10/21 - Marfa, TX @ Padre's
10/22 - Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
10/23 - Houston, TX @ Mango's
10/24 - New Orleans, LA @ Siberia
10/25 - Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree
10/26 - Athens, GA @ Athens Intensified Fest
10/27 - Asheville, NC @ Mothlight
10/28 - Boone, NC @ Black Cat Burrito

Read More Jack Johnson First up is "The 3 R's" by Jack Johnson. It's taken from the Curious George soundtrack titled Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies and is an upbeat, children's song about reducing, reusing, and recycling. ..…

JACK JOHNSON
jackjohnsonmusic.com

On Monday is Jack Johnson. We're actually not covering this show, but if you live in the Twin Cities and like him, he's playing at the Orpheum Theatre.

Johnson will likely play songs from his 2013 album From Here to Now to You

Tour dates:

10/02/13 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
10/03/13 Durham, NC Performing Arts Center
10/05/13 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
10/06/13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
10/07/13 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
10/09/13 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
10/12/13 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
10/14/13 Vancouver, BC Orpheum
10/15/13 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
10/16/13 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer
10/18/13 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre
10/19/13 Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
10/20/13 Santa Barbara, CA Arlington Theatre
12/03/13 Auckland, New Zealand Aotea Centre
12/04/13 Auckland, New Zealand Aotea Centre
12/05/13 Auckland, New Zealand Aotea Centre
12/07/13 Perth, Australia Kings Park
12/10/13 Sydney, Australia Forecourt
12/11/13 Sydney, Australia Sydney Opera House
12/12/13 Sydney, Australia Sydney Opera House
12/14/13 Brisbane, Australia QPAC Concert Hall
12/16/13 Melbourne, Australia Plenary Hall
12/17/13 Melbourne, Australia Plenary Hall
05/16/14 Cherokee Creek Music Festival

Read More Frankie Rose You remember Frankie Rose, right? We like her. After paying her dues in all these bands we like: Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and Vivian Girls, Rose finally decided to go solo..…

FRANKIE ROSE
missfrankierose.com

Guess who is opening up for Franz Ferdinand for all their U.S. tour dates? That's right, Frankie Rose. She'll be here on Wednesday at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis. I've never been inside this venue, so I'm very excited to see it in action.

She may be playing songs from my previously mentioned of Herein Wild, which just came out September 24th.

Rose's dates:

10.08.13 - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS !
10.09.13 - Skyway Theatre - Minneapolis, MN !
10.10.13 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL !
10.12.13 - Emo's - Austin, TX !
10.15.13 - Cannery - Nashville, TN !
10.16.13 - The LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH !
10.17.13 - Music Center - North Bethesda, MD !
10.19.13 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA !
10.20.13 - Orpheum Theatre - Boston, MA ! #
10.22.13 - Hammerstein - New York, NY ! #
10.23.13 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC ! #
10.24.13 - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON ! #
12.03.13 - 02 Academy - Newcastle, UK *
12.04.13 - 02 ABC - Glasgow, UK *
12.06.13 - Academy - Manchester, UK *
12.07.13 - Rock City - Nottingham, UK *
12.08.13 - 02 Academy - Bristol, UK *
12.10.13 - Roundhouse - London, UK *
12.14.13 - UEA - Norwich, UK *
12.15.13 - Institute - Birmingham, UK *

! with Franz Ferdinand, # with Casual Sex, * with White Lies

Read More Phantogram Phantogram, as described on their myspace are: a duo of Sarah D. Barthel and Joshua M. Carter of Saratoga Springs, NY. Their music is a mix of organic and electronic sounds...…

PHANTOGRAM
phantogrammusic.virb.com

Thursday, Phantogram will be in Minneapolis at First Avenue. Phantogram has been very busy since their set at 2012 Bonnaroo Festival, writing and recording new music.

Perhaps the New York duo (Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter) will showcase some new songs on this upcoming tour. In the meantime, they've just released a self-titled digital EP via Stereogum (streaming right now at stereogum.com).

Tour dates:

10/06 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
10/08 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
10/09 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
10/10 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave
10/12 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
10/13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
10/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
10/17 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at The Market
10/18 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
10/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Treasure Island
10/21 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
10/22 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10/23 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom
10/25 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
10/26 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
10/28 – Houston , TX @ House of Blues
10/30 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
10/31 – Atlanta , GA @ Masquerade
11/01 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/02 – Chalottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre
12/04 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
12/05 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
12/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
12/08 – Boston, MA @ Paradise

Read More John Wesley Harding The first time I saw John Wesley Harding, he was a guest host for MTV's 120 Minutes in the very early 90s, and he did this amazing song called "Ordinary Weekend" live..…

WESLEY STACE
wesleystace.com

Friday we have Wesley Stace (formerly known by his stage name, John Wesley Harding) at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. He'll probably be doing songs from his Self-Titled, but expect some fun, non-music and poetry variety hour, if his "Cabinet of Wonders" shows are any indication.

USA / Canada tour dates:

09/13 New York, NY City Winery*
09/14 Northampton, MA The Parlor Room†
09/15 Somerville, MA Johnny D’s†
09/21 Rahway, NJ Hamilton Stage†
10/03 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live†
10/04 Asbury Park, NJ The Saint†
10/06 Stony Brook, NY University Café†
10/10 Chicago, IL City Winery*
10/11 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center*
10/12 Iowa City, IA The Englert Theatre*
10/13 Grinnell, IA Bucksbaum Center .*
10/18 New York, NY City Winery*
10/24 New York, NY City Winery†
11/07 Seattle, WA Triple Door†
11/09 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios†
11/11 San Francisco, CA Jewish Community*
11/13 Santa Barbara, CA Campbell Hall*
11/15 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop†
11/22 New York, NY City Winery*
01/06 Tampa, FL Univ. of Tampa†
01/25 Mamaroneck, NY Emelin Theatre*

* Wesley Stace’s Cabinet of Wonders
† Wesley Stace headlining performance

Read More ZZ Ward It's been a great year for ZZ Ward, having sold-out many of her shows throughout the country. The last time we saw her, it was at The Basilica Block Party, where she played ..…

ZZ WARD
zzward.com

Finally Saturday, we have ZZ Ward at the Skyway Theatre. Yes, the same theater that my first time will be on Wednesday for Franz Ferdinand, so this venue is booking some really good musicians!

The soul songstress will be almost wrapping up her "Down and Dirty Shine Tour" with Saturday's show, ending in Chicago.

Expect her to play the hit songs "Put The Gun Down" and "365 Days" from her debut album, Til The Casket Drops as well as some covers, etc.

Tour dates:

Oct 05 Toronto, ON The Opera House
Oct 06 Detroit, MI St. Andrew's Hall
Oct 08 Indianapolis, IN Deluxe
Oct 11 Kansas City, MO Midland
Oct 12 Minneapolis, MN Skyway Theater
Oct 14 St. Louis, MO The Firebird
Oct 15 Chicago, IL House of Blues

That's it for Rocktober Week Two! The W♥M team will not be able to sleep until November, so stay tuned for the Week Three previews!

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

Girls Girls Girls: Hunter Valentine, Girl in a Coma, and ZZ Ward

Read More Hunter Valentine Hunter Valentine came on pretty late to a room full of mostly women couples. It's obvious to me that the newfound audience was from Showtime's "The Real L Word" - and possibly because last night was also "National Coming Out Day." .…

HUNTER VALENTINE
huntervalentine.com

The last time we saw Hunter Valentine in Minneapolis, the band was riding high as being regular cast members on The Real L Word on the Showtime. The show undoubtedly brought the band to a national level, so their show was had a great turnout.

Since 2012, the Canadian band's bassist Veronica Sanchez left the band and is now replaced by Leanne Bowes (who joined the band in early 2013).

The band is currently on the road with Girl in a Coma (a band we like), Krissy Krissy, and 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper!

Tour dates below:

09/28/13 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
10/05/13 Pittsburgh, PA The Smiling Moose
10/06/13 Philadelphia, PA Milkboy
10/08/13 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
10/ 18/13 Englewood, NJ Bergen *
10/19/13 Boston, MA Wang Theatre *
10/20/13 Queens, NY Kupferberg Arts Center*
10/22/13 Wilkes-barre, PA F M Kirby Center*
10/23/13 New Brunswick, NJ State Theater*
10/25/13 Lebanon, NH The Lebanon Opera House *
10/26/13 Montreal, QC Metropolis*
10/27/13 Toronto, ON Massey Hall*
10/29/13 Madison, WI Capitol Theater *
10/30/13 Minneapolis, MN Mill City Nights*
11/0/13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre*
11/03/13 Greensburg, PA The Palace Theater *
11/05/13 Nashville, TN Tennessee Performing Arts Center*
11/06/13 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre*
11/08/13 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall *
11/09/13 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Casino*
11/10/13 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues*
11/12/13 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater*
11/13/13 Washington, DC Warner Theatre*
11/15/13 Glenside, PA The Keswick Theatre *
11/16/13 Ridgefield, CT The Ridgefield Playhouse *

* with Cyndi Lauper

Read More Girl in a Coma These Texan girls know something about heatwaves… Last week the band unveiled their cover of the Martha and the Vadellas classic song, although the name .…

GIRL IN A COMA
girlinacoma.com

Speaking of Girl in a Coma, the last time we heard from these San Antonio girls was their cover of Martha and the Vadellas' "Heatwave" was used in JC Penney's national ad campaign. Since then, the band's been on constantly tour, including opening up for the legendary Iggy Pop and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Did I mention that they were constantly on tour? It's true, the trio is still on tour in support of their album Exits & All The Rest (winning the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Indie/Alt Album) with Hunter Valentine and Krissy Krissy. I don't know if Hunter Valentine will actually be at the Minneapolis show (09/30), but we'll find out next week.

09/24/13 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court*
09/25/13 Denver, CO - Walnut Room*
09/26/13 Kansas City, MO - Czar Bar*
09/27/13 St. Louis, MO - Old Rock House*
09/28/13 Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio*
09/30/13 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry*
10/02/13 Madison, WI - Frequency*
10/03/13 Pontiac, MI - Crofoot*
10/04/13 Chicago, IL - Double Door*
10/12/13 Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete St Amph
11/02/13 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits
11/27/13 San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live

* with Hunter Valentine and Krissy Krissy

Read More ZZ Ward I was looking forward to see ZZ Ward at the sold-out Varsity Theater earlier this year, but unfortunately, due to miscommunication, this never happened. .…

ZZ WARD
zzward.com

It's been a great year for ZZ Ward, having sold-out many of her shows throughout the country. The last time we saw her, it was at The Basilica Block Party, where she played tracks from her soulful debut album Til The Casket Drops, plus a cover of Son House's "Grinnin' In Your Face".

I suspect the set will be similar this time around, as she return to the Twin Cities at Skyway Theater on October 12th as part of her so-called "Down and Dirty Shine Tour":

09/23/13 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
09/24/13 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
09/27/13 - Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
09/28/13 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
09/30/13 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
10/01/13 - Phila, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
10/02/13 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10/04/13 - Cleveland, OH @ Cambridge Room
10/05/13 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
10/06/13 - Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
10/08/13 - Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe
10/11/13 - Kansas City, MO @ The Midland
10/12/13 - Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theater
10/14/13 - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
10/15/13 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

ZZ Ward at the Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis (07/12/13)

Setlist Put The Gun Down Til The Casket Drops Home Got It Bad 365 Days Last Love Song Charlie Ain't Home Grinnin' In Your Face If I Could Be Her Cryin Wolf Criminal Blue Eyes Blind Tour Dates 07/20/13 "Robert Mondavi Summer" 07/20/13 Oakville, CA R. Mondavi Winery 07/21/13 Brooklyn, NY Warsaw 08/04/13 Hermosa Beach, CA Saint Rocke 08/08/13 "Live On The Green" 08/10/13 "Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival" 08/11/13 Spokane, WA Center Of Spokane 08/13/13 "Music On The Half Shell" 08/30/13 Harley Davidson Anniversary 08/31/13 "Bumbershoot Festival" 09/02/13 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater 09/04/13 San Francisco, CA Fillmore 09/06/13 West Hollywood, CA House Of Blues 09/07/13 Anaheim, CA House Of Blues 09/08/13 San Diego, CA House Of Blues 09/10/13 Tucson, AZ Club Congress 09/11/13 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom 09/13/13 "Telluride Blues & Brews Festival" 09/14/13 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre 09/16/13 Austin, TX The Parish 09/17/13 Dallas, TX House Of Blues 09/18/13 Houston, TX Bronze Peacock 09/20/13 "Music Midtown Festival" 09/21/13 "Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival" 09/23/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution 09/24/13 Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues 09/27/13 Charlotte, NC Visulite Theatre 09/28/13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club 09/30/13 New York, NY Irving Plaza 10/01/13 Phila, PA Theatre Of The Living 10/02/13 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club 10/04/13 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues 10/05/13 Toronto, ON Opera House 10/06/13 Detroit, MI Shelter 10/08/13 Indianapolis, IN Deluxe 10/11/13 Kansas City, MO Midland By AMC 10/12/13 Minneapolis, MN Skyway 10/14/13 St. Louis, MO Firebird 10/15/13 Chicago, IL House Of Blues Read More ZZ Ward Zsuzsanna Ward, aka ZZ Ward, has sold out all her shows on this current tour as she heads down to SXSW. ZZ is stopping by Minneapolis' Varsity Theater this Friday, February 22nd. …

The annual Basilica Block Party just kicked off last night at Minneapolis' Basilica of Saint Mary. The music festival's proceeds will go into the restoration of the Basilica and its "light of hope", but judging from the alcohol, the commercialism and the talky crowds, the message might have been lost on event goers.

Weather-wise, it was nice, sunny, and windy; just perfect for an outdoor music event. The sizeable block party had the three bears approach to the three concert stages: Sun Country Stage (the largest), Jefferson Bus Lines Stage (the medium size stage), and Vita.MN Stage (the smallest).

I stayed for the majority of the middle venue, mostly out of commitment, and mostly because I wanted to see Family Of The Year and ZZ Ward (I'd already seen Cactus Blossoms, Father John Misty and Mayer Hawthorne at smaller, intimate settings). I showed up on time, but as far as I knew it, I never saw Churchill on the Jefferson Bus stage.

The first band I saw was Family Of The Year. Both W♥M Brody and John are big fans, having see them in House of Blues in New Orleans and Triple Rock in Minneapolis, respectively. I couldn't wait to see what all the fuss was about.

FAMILY OF THE YEAR

Family Of The Year may have not been at their peak, with keyboardist/vocals Christina Schroeter confessing that they just arrived from Canada and with delays and layovers and U.S. customs, that everyone in the band was operating on "zero sleep" with her hands making double zeros. If that was them at 0%, I wonder what they'd be like at a hundred?

As expected, the band did a number of songs from their last album Loma Vista, including "The Stairs ", "In the End", "Buried", "Diversity", "St. Croix" (their "Caribbean jam song" as they put it), and big crowd pleaser "Hero".

MATT NATHANSON

By the time headliner Matt Nathanson took the stage, I suddenly realized I was surrounded by a sea of young women. Nathanson's new album Last of the Great Pretenders is coming out next Tuesday (July 16th), so he felt compel to play a few songs from it, including the lead single, "Mission Bells". Of course, he couldn't get away if he didn't do his big hit song "Come On Get Higher" from his 2008 album Some Mad Hope.

GRACE POTTER

Vermont's Grace Potter and the Nocturnals was headliner for the main stage. The thing about Grace Potter's vocals and singing style, is that she is often compared to Janis Joplin or even Tina Turner. And certainly I can see that, especially at how graceful and comfortable she is in the spotlight, in front with the microphone or sitting behind a piano.

Although they did songs from their previous album The Lion The Beast The Beat, Potter managed to throw in a classic "Apologies" from their sophomore album.

Varsity Theater marquee (02/22/13)

I was looking forward to see ZZ Ward at the sold-out Varsity Theater earlier this year, but unfortunately, due to miscommunication, this never happened. I was even outside the venue, looking at the marquee! I'm glad to have finally caught her at the Basilica Block Party, consider this make-up work.

Ward had a lot to say about her songs, often explaining its origin. For instance, she love, love, love, Etta James' "Waiting For Charlie (to Come Home)" and she decided to write a song in answer to that called "Charlie Ain't Home". Speaking of homage, she did a blues dedication and covered Son House's "Grinnin' In Your Face".

According to my notes (please look over the setlist), she basically did a full set with even a weird "encore" of sort for "Blue Eyes Blind". Let me explain, once she started playing the familiar intro to "Criminal" and had everyone in the audience singing along and the energy of her performance at the maximum - everyone knew that was the final song on her set. It sure felt like it. But just when you think the band was going off stage, Ward asked the audience, "Do you want to hear one more?" to an overwhelming "YES" from the crowd. That's when they brought out the floor tom tom and she started singing "Blue Eyes Blind".

I am not sure if it's officially listed yet, but according to ZZ Ward, she is happy to announce that she is coming back to Minneapolis on October 12th to play at the Skyway Theatre as part of her "Down and Dirty" tour.

ZZ Ward at the Basilica Block Party, Minneapolis (07/12/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com