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Heiruspecs Summer Classic at James J. Hill House, St Paul (17 Aug 2024)

17 August 2024 Heiruspecs Summer Classic at James J. Hill House Heiruspecs Setlist Twenty Years Sky is Falling Guns and Knives Thundersounds Let It Fly It Takes Supposed to Win Never Sleeping The Winners Werewolves Cloudy Day All In All I Know Heartsprings Pushback 5ves Read More Heiruspecs Red Stag Supperclub, but unfortunately, I did not make it down until 7 o'clock and by that time, Heiruspecs was already on stage. Fear not, I am certain that we'll get around to Romantica down the road. … Greg Grease Special guests Greg Grease and Psymun to open. The latter band recently opened up for Oneohtrix Point Never in March 2016. Details: Fog 'For Good' release show with Greg Grease + Psymun …

The second annual Heiruspecs Summer Classic, headlined and organized by Heiruspecs, just took place at the historic James J. Hill House, in St Paul.

If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s right next to the St Paul Cathedral, and offers plenty of free street parking along Summit and Selby.

Admission was free, however if you want access to the balcony view, you’ll have to shell out $40 for the VIP access (which also includes a full bar experience and interior restroom).

Entering in the front gates of the Hill house, you can see lawn games from Minnesota Brewery Running Series, hot press event shirts & vintage clothing from Back Pocket Vintage and New Orleans cuisine from Mateo Mackbee from KREWE Restaurant. Beer was served by Barrel Theory Beer Company.

Emily, from The Cutthroat DJs, spun 45s and singles before and between bands taking the stage. Music selection was anything from Motown to R&B to Pop.

First band on the bill, Rabeca just recently came off their first tour, which they called a “Mid-West Jaunt” (playing IA, IL, WI, and MN). Of all the places they played, the Hill house was “certainly the most scenic show we’ve ever played” (as they look down the spacious lawn with trees over downtown St Paul).

The band played smooth jazz songs and threw in an occasional cover song, like Connie Converse’s “Talkin’ Like You (Two Tall Mountains).”

Next up was Greg Grease, with DJ Just Nine. He confessed that it’s been a while since he was doing music regularly, but was excited to try out some new material that he’s working on.

Zuluzuluu at the Cedar Cultural Center (15 July 2016)

Grease’s music has changed a lot since we first saw him as ZULUZULUU (later changed to Astralblak) in July 2016 and wrote, “Zuluzuluu opened up the show. This experimental project is fronted by Greg Grease, and seemed to look like three men standing over electronic switches. They described themselves as African/Astro music, and had more in common with current pop/r&b sound, with heavy dance, funk beats. I understand what they trying to, that is to take African music and take it into the future or modern age... but to me, the heavy reliance on electronic-produced sound kind of defeats why people like Africana music (which has always been traditional organic instruments). Perhaps time will tell if people accept this new sound or not.”

Heiruspecs closed out the show. The band was happy to play their home turf, stating that they are from St Paul Central High. The band all met while taking a studio recording arts program at the school. Most of the vocals were traded between Felix (Chris Wilbourn) and Muad'dib (Jon Harrison), with a full band playing live music. The band includes bassist Twinkie Jiggles (Sean McPherson), keys dVRG (DeVon Gray), drummer Peter Leggett, and guitarist Josh Peterson.

I don’t know if it was intentional, but right as it started to sprinkle with a rainbow, the band started playing “Sky is Falling.” Just the perfect song for the occasion.

This was Heiruspecs Summer Classic’ first time at James J. Hill House, and based on the turnout (including a lot of parents and their children) and strong enthusiasm, they will likely return next Summer.

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Heiruspecs at James J. Hill House (17 Aug 2024)

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

The Internet at Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (17 Oct 2018)

The Internet at Varsity Theater The Internet Setlist Come Together Roll (Burbank Funk) Dontcha Get Away Next Time Stay the Night Special Affair Mood Just Sayin/I Tried Bravo Come Over It Gets Better (With Time) Gabby Look At What U Started Beat Goes On Wanna Be Girl Hold On Curse Read More The Internet Meanwhile, The Internet (featuring Odd Future member Syd and Matt Martians) comes to the Triple Rock Social Club, fresh off their SXSW appearances. I couldn't find any information regarding a new album.…

Despite having one of the most common name, Los Angeles’ The Internet (Syd Tha Kyd, Matt Martians, Patrick Paige II, Christopher Smith, and Steve Lacy) is more popular than ever, thanks to their smooth urban sound and very dedicated fanbase.

To give you a little background, The Internet came from another hip hop group called Odd Future, where band members Syd Tha Kyd and Matt Martians, met Patrick Paige, Christopher Smith, and Tay Walker, while on tour. By 2011, The Internet was formed and they released their debut Purple Naked Ladies. By 2016, Syd officially departed from Odd Future.

We got a chance to catch the band at the sold-out Varsity Theater show on Wednesday, October 17th. The Varsity was packed, selling out even the more expensive balcony and raised seating area. Although the venue did not list an opening band, we found out that DJ Just Nine kept the crowd entertained before The Internet’s set. Local musician Astralblak (formerly ZuluZuluu), who was originally listed, ultimately canceled the show at the eleventh hour.

Midway in The Internet’s set, they had a few technical difficulties that forced the band to make a public apology via Twitter: “Despite the technical difficulties, you we’re great Minneapolis! Thank you 🙏🏽”

There were no encores, but based on hearing the entire audience singing along, I think they ended on a really high, positive note.

Currently, The Internet is enjoying their time hanging out with Gorillaz.... where they are playing in front of thousands of fans every night. After this Gorillaz tour, expect The Internet to sell out even more headlining gigs.

The Internet’s Hive Mind is out now on Columbia Records.

Tour dates:

10/20/18 Los Angeles, CA @ Demon Dayz Festival
10/21/18 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
10/24/18 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
10/25/18 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
10/26/18 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
10/28/18 Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades
10/31/18 San Luis Obispo, CA @ Fremont Theater
11/03/18 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
11/11/18 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
11/12/18 Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
11/15/18 Austin, TX @ Emo’s
11/16/18 San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre
11/18/18 Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
11/19/18 Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
11/20/18 New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
11/26/18 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
11/27/18 Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
12/01/18 Richmond, VA @ The National
12/05/18 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
12/12/18 Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrews Hall

The Internet at Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (17 Oct 2018)

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

André Cymone at Turf Club, St. Paul and FLOW Northside Arts Crawl, Mpls (28/29 July 2017)

Turf Club Setlist We All Need Something Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) Naked Black Man in America Heroes (David Bowie cover) Prince Guitar intro > When You Were Mine (Prince cover) Psychedelic intro > It Ain’t Much Point and Click Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Rolling Stones cover) Dance Electric Money We All Need Something (reprise) Flow Northside Arts Crawl Setlist We All Need Something Naked Black Man in America Prince Guitar intro > When You Were Mine (Prince cover) Dance Electric Cool (The Time cover) Money We All Need Something (reprise) Tour Dates 8/04/2017 New York City Bowery Electric Read More Andre Cymone 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 … Zuluzuluu Jade and Mary Lucia gave Zuluzuluu a nice intro. Jade said that the first time she heard them, she had to book them at any given opportunity. With that, Zuluzuluu played a few track from …

The year 1969 was one of revolution, political divisiveness, racial tensions, discovery, and near unparalleled musical creativity, as idealistic dreams and the harshness of reality collided—

Some of those themes still echo very much today, and so, it makes sense that André Cymone has titled his new album after that year (on Blindtango Records), his second release after a self-imposed twenty-seven-year hiatus. Cymone celebrated the new record with two special hometown solo shows- at a packed and sold-out Turf Club in St. Paul, and an abbreviated appearance the next day at the FLOW Northside Arts Crawl in North Minneapolis.

Cymone re-emerged on the scene with 2014’s The Stone and a crunchier rock sound, echoing more Curtis Mayfield and Sly Stone than his Minneapolis Sound roots and returned to town for his first show since participating in last year’s Prince Tribute concert, for a club show in support of the follow up record.

Opening the sold-out evening was local sextet, ZULUZULUU, a collective of musicians/producers: MMYYKK, Proper-T, Greg Grease, DJ Just Nine, ∆RT P∆RTÉ & Trelly Mo, who released the seven song album, What’s the Price? last year. The group plays a meld of Afro-futurism, funk, jazz, and soul on songs like their own ‘Fades’ and even covered Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Want You’ mid-set.

“Hometown! I love the love!” Cymone said, looking out into the capacity crowd before beginning his sixty-five minute set with the new album’s opening track, ‘We All Need Something’.  The night also served as a tribute to “a few soldiers” lost over the past year, starting with an upbeat and funky Leonard Cohen cover.

Part of the old Grand Central lineup then joined Cymone on stage (William “Hollywood” Doughty and Chazz Smith) for the remainder of the show, beginning with the Philando Castile-inspired, socially-charged ‘Black Man in America’ as local notables like Pepé Willie (94 East), Matt Fink and Bobby Z (The Revolution) and members of the Nelson family, looked on.

The second tribute was a faithful David Bowie cover of ‘Heroes’ with Cymone next working through a quick series of very familiar classic guitar riffs and a tribute to “a soldier very near and dear to my heart- I think about him every day” before launching into Prince’s ‘When You Were Mine’ from 1980, saying a simple “rest in peace, my brother” following.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ was one of the songs that inspired Cymone’s 1969, so he did his chugging, gospel-tinged version of the song, getting the crowd to chant “it’s all right” at several points.  Before the Prince-penned ‘Dance Electric’, Cymone told the brief story of Prince giving the song to him to record, a feel good departure from much of the socio-political material Cymone was outputting himself.

The new ‘Money’ would end the set, with a reprise of the first song played as an end bumper, with Cymone and band then posing for a hometown group photo before leaving the stage, with no encore played.

The next day found Cymone and band on the other side of the Mississippi River, on a small stage located on the field at North High School as part of the FLOW Northside Arts Crawl for a brief outdoor set. The tone was more laid back and relaxed, with Cymone returning to play in the same general neighborhood that he, Prince, and the other architects of the Minneapolis Sound, grew up in.

‘Black Man in America’ touched pressure points on this side of the river as well; even though the Castile and police incident happened on the St. Paul side, the entire metro remains still affected by its tragic outcome, and Cymone would end up breaking a guitar string during, a result of his furious playing.

‘Dance Electric’ was an impromptu add-on to the setlist (bumping ‘Black Lives Matter’), with Cymone and band performing it in more of a loose, freestyle method, than even the night before.  “There’s another group…” Cymone teased, that came from similar neighborhood roots, and he paid homage to The Time by faithfully covering their own (and Prince-penned) ‘Cool’ as the causal crowd danced on the lawn.

Before ending as he did the previous night (with ‘Money’ and the ‘Something reprise’), Cymone recalled sitting in the very same bleachers across from the stage as a high school student, never dreaming he would actually tour the world several times over, as a successful working musician.

1969 was undoubtedly a time of change in 20^th Century American history, and André Cymone looks back at that, reflected through the shards of present-day events, to make a pertinent music statement that was welcomed and well received in the two side-by-side cities, where he first began.

FLOW Art Crawl Poster

Andre Cymone at FLOW Art Crawl

Andre Cymone at FLOW Art Crawl

FLOW Art Crawl Setlist

Turf Club Setlist

Andre Cymone at FLOW Art Crawl, Minneapolis (29 July 2017)

ZULUZULUU

ZULUZULUU

Andre Cymone at Turf Club

Andre Cymone at Turf Club

Andre Cymone at Turf Club

Andre Cymone at Turf Club, St. Paul (28 July 2017)

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

The Current's 12th Birthday Party at First Avenue, Minneapolis (28 Jan 2017)

Haley Bonar Setlist Hometown Your Mom Is Right Stupid Face I Can Change Heaven's Made for Two No Sensitive Man Skynz Better Than Me From a Cage Leo Kismet Kill Last War -- Encore -- Down Sunny Roads Called You Queen Read More The Current The annual The Current show is taking place next week: starting with Duluth's Low as headliner. Also on the bills are local favorites, John Mark Nelson (who previously appeared on . .... Haley Bonar Since 2003 The Size of Planets, Haley Bonar has been the staple Minneapolis singer/songwriter for years, even when she moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2009! … The Lemon Twigs I’m not going to lie, but the biggest buzz band I’ve seen in a long time, has got to be The Lemon Twigs. Almost immediately, the dancefloor was filled to the walls of curious . .... Sam Roberts Band M For Montreal's annual SXSW showcase is taking place March 13th at Maggie Mae's (323 E. 6th Street), in collaboration with Planet Quebec! DOWNSTAIRS 1AM – Sam Roberts Band . .... Monica LaPlante Local musician Monica LaPlante opened up the show, fifteen minutes fashionably late. The band was in the Halloween spirit, dressing up as a reverse Robert Palmer and his voluptuous band. . ....

Local radio station 89.3 The Current just celebrated their 12th anniversary last week (January 27th and 28th). Although the station plays popular alternative modern music, they also proudly support the local music scene.

Friday’s show featured Jeremy Messersmith, Portland’s Joseph (the all sister act named after their grandfather), Strand of Oaks (aka Tim Showalter), Black Market Brass, and Jay Smart.

For the Saturday sold out show, we’re treated with local Monica LaPlante, starting right on time at 7:30pm (unlike the last time we saw them).

LaPlante is a real favorite at the Current, who had the band in for some local sessions and interview when they were promoting their new album Noir (Hollander Records). Of course, LaPlante expressed that the entire band was “thrilled to be here.”

Their set was similar to their October 2016 show, including the first two songs ‘Fragile’ and ‘Can’t Stop’, but ending the show with ‘Hope You're Alone’.

They also played a brand new song in the middle of their set (although they confessed that they played that new song a few nights ago at the Triple Rock Social Club show with Royal Brat).

In between bands, DJ Shannon Blowtorch (Grrrl Prty) handled the playlist. Her music choices were mostly from the 90s, including some fan-favorite Prince medleys.

Next up was The Sam Roberts Band. The Canadian band is actually on tour with Hollerado (who was playing next door at the smaller 7th Street Entry), but the Current requested the Sam Roberts Band to play the main room.

The band started their set with ‘FIEND’, a song they often save for the encore, but considering that they love playing the song, and with a shorter opening set, they decided to put that song up front first.

Before they played ‘Shapeshifters’ from Lo-Fantasy, the band said they were all tuned into The Current on their long drive from Canada.

Jade and Mary Lucia gave Zuluzuluu a nice intro. Jade said that the first time she heard them, she had to book them at any given opportunity. With that, Zuluzuluu played a few track from their The Cover Up album, including ‘On Our Way’.

We previously saw the band with Femi Kuti on July 2016 and wrote that it’s a projected fronted by Greg Grease.

Brian Oake and Jill Riley introduced their new favorites The Lemon Twigs, who are currently touring with Nashville’s Savoy Motel (playing next door with Hollerado). We’ve seen the band before, and noted that they drew in a huge crowd, thanks to the buzz that the Current generated for this young band.

Shortly after playing their first song, ‘I Wanna Prove to You’, they realized that they broke their bass drum pedal (which, surprisingly was not the first time this happened to the band). The First Avenue staff was quick to bring them another pedal, so the whole ordeal was actually pretty painless as they transitioned to ‘Haroomata’ and ‘These Words’.

Like the last time we saw them in October 2016, they had a harmonizing moment in their set before the two brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario switched instruments and pick up their pace.

Before Haley Bonar closed out the night, everybody currently working at the Current were on stage, standing behind Mark Wheat, who gave us a nice speech about the Current and how important the radio station is to everyone.

Wheat mentioned that Bonar started in South Dakota, transplanted to Duluth, and eventually settled to St Paul... but there was a dark moment as he said she moved to Portland. Anyway, what’s important is that she’s back in Minnesota, and her new album Impossible Dream is one of our favorite from 2016.

Bonar started her set with the fitting song, ‘Hometown’, and went through almost everything off Impossible Dream (‘Your Mom Is Right’, ‘Stupid Face’, ‘I Can Change’, ‘Skynz’, ‘Better Than Me’, ‘Kismet Kill’). She didn’t play my favorite song ‘Queen of Everything’, but instead offered another queen song entitled ‘Called You Queen’ from the new album.

Like Mark Wheat said, The Current is important to Minnesota, and we love what they do for local musicians.

Monica LaPlante

Sam Roberts Band

Zuluzuluu

The Lemon Twigs

Haley Bonar

Haley Bonar at First Ave, Minneapolis (28 Jan 2017)

The Current's 12th Birthday Party at First Ave, Minneapolis (28 Jan 2017)

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

Minneapolis: January 27 to January 31, 2017

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from January 27 to January 31, 2017.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More The Current The annual The Current show is taking place next week: starting with Duluth's Low as headliner. Also on the bills are local favorites, John Mark Nelson (who previously appeared on . .... Haley Bonar Since 2003 The Size of Planets, Haley Bonar has been the staple Minneapolis singer/songwriter for years, even when she moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2009! … The Lemon Twigs I’m not going to lie, but the biggest buzz band I’ve seen in a long time, has got to be The Lemon Twigs. Almost immediately, the dancefloor was filled to the walls of curious . .... Savoy Motel Nashville’s Savoy Motel, possibly named after the Savoy Hotel, opened up the show. The band featured bassist Jeffrey Novak, drummer Jessica McFarland, guitarist Mimi Galbierz . ....

THE CURRENT’S 12 BIRTHDAY PARTY
at First Avenue
Saturday, 01/28/17, 7pm ($20)
first-avenue.com

It’s The Current’s 12th Birthday Party and you’re invited. The show will feature Haley Bonar as headliner. We reviewed Bonar’s latest album Impossible Dream (GNDwire / Spit Comet / Memphis Industries) and said “the incredibly talented Haley Bonar offers an unobstructed view inside her heart and soul.”

Personally speaking, I’m really excited to see that The Lemon Twigs is also on the bill. We caught the ‘Twigs last October 2016 and noted, “biggest buzz band I’ve seen in a long time”.

Also on the bill Sam Roberts Band, Monica LaPlante and Zuluzuluu.

If $20 is too much for mostly local bands, head over to the 7th Street Entry, for about $10, you can catch one of the best live bands, Hollerado, with Savoy Motel and Sleep Study.

Nashville’s Savoy Motel is actually normally playing with The Lemon Twigs, but for this evening, the Current roped them for their show... Savoy Motel’s self-titled debut album is available on What’s Your Rupture? Records.

Savoy Motel tour dates:

1/26 THU Chicago IL @ The Empty Bottle
1/28 SAT Minneapolis MN @ First Ave
1/31 TUE Seattle WA @ Barboza
2/1 WED Vancouver BC @ The Cobalt
2/2 THU Portland OR @ Doug Fir
2/4 SAT San Francisco CA @ Brick and Mortar
2/5 SUN Santa Cruz CA @ The Catalyst Atrium
2/6 MON Santa Ana CA @ Constellation Room
2/8 WED Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
2/9 THU San Diego CA @ Casbah
2/10 FRI Phoenix AZ @ Valley Bar
2/11 SAT El Paso TX @ Lowbow Palace
2/14 TUE Austin TX @ Stubb’s Jr
2/15 WED Houston TX @ Raven Tower
2/17 FRI Birmingham AL @ Saturn
2/18 SAT Atlanta GA @ Aisle 5
2/21 WED New York NY @ Bowery Ballroom

(all shows with The Lemon Twigs, except 1/28 & 2/8)

Read More AFI My brother's favorite band is releasing a live album. But WAIT! It's not new (do you see a trend here?), the audio CD is actually the audio soundtrack of the DVD of I Heard a Voice ..… The Chain Gang of 1974 The Chain Gang of 1974 can actually be referenced as Mohager's solo project that comes complete with a touring band. Mohager has a DJ background but it's not as easy to tell as you may ..…

AFI
at First Avenue
Monday, 01/30/17, 7pm ($28)
first-avenue.com

My brother’s favorite band AFI (not to be confused with the American Film Institute) will be headlining First Avenue this Monday! The punk/emo band is touring in support of their tenth self-titled (aka The Blood Album) record.

The Chain Gang Of 1974 (aka Kamtin Mohager and not to be confused with The 1975 or Chain and the Gang) to open. The synth-pop band was just in town last November 2016, and we noted, “This indie/electro pop group definitely got the crowd warmed up, just like an opener should, but the crowd seemed to respond to them a lot more than most opening acts. I think the main reason for that was the undeniable energy that was coming off of the stage. It may have been early in the night but singer Kamtin Mohager acted like he was headlining the show with how much he was moving around.”

Also on the bill: Souvenirs.

Chain Gang’s tour dates:

Supporting AFI

January 24 | Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
January 25 | Seattle, WA - The Showbox
January 27 | Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
January 28 | Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
January 30 | Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
January 31 | Chicago, IL - Riviera Theater
February 1 | Toronto, ON - Danforth

Headlining

February 3 | Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade
February 4 | Columbus, OH - Skully's
February 6 | St. Louis, MO - Blueberry Hill
February 7 | Dallas, TX - Sundown at Granada
February 9 | Santa Fe, NM - Meow Wolf
February 10 | Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge
February 11 | San Diego, CA - The Hideout
February 12 | Santa Ana, CA - Constellation

Read More Porno Wolves Porno Wolves are: Ryan Bachman – Guitar/Vocals, Shea Drenkow – Electric Bass, Steven Schwartz – Guitar/Saxophone, and Anthony Gore – Drums. ..…

Other shows in the area:

01/27/17 Teen idol Aaron Carter will make an appearance at The Pourhouse this Friday.

01/27/17 Local Porno Wolves will be playing the Triple Rock Club on Friday, with The Person and the People and The Modern Era. $10 will get you in the door. We previously saw Porno Wolves in August 2015 and wrote, “could probably play well over their 50-minute-ish set of rock jams and weeping guitars. This made me think that they are used to headlining or just not used to opening with short sets.”

01/27/17 Grammy-nominated recording artist Audien is currently on his first U.S. tour for 2017, making a stop at the will make an appearance at Rev Ultra Lounge in Minneapolis this Friday

01/29/17 Emo band Dashboard Confessional is back! They’ll be playing First Avenue this Sunday. I don’t know why I’m excited about this... I haven’t seen the band since 2003 or so.

01/29/17 Boston folk singer Catie Curtis will be playing the Cedar Cultural Center on Sunday. Show up and find out why the New Yorker called her a “folk-rock goddess”. Curtis’ latest Flying Dream is out now.

01/31/17 Teen Queen Cherry Glazerr is currently touring in support of their new album Apocalipstick (Secretly Canadian). They’ll be headlining the 7th Street Entry. Slow Hollows to open.

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

Femi Kuti at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (15 July 2016)

Tour Dates 07/21/16 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom 07/22/16 Wayhome Music And Arts 07/24/16 XPoNential Music Festival 07/26/16 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall 07/27/16 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl 07/28/16 Pittsburgh, PA The Altar Bar 07/29/16 Washington, DC 9:30 Club 07/30/16 Floydfest Read More Femi Kuti As usual, the Cedar does a great job putting together the lineup, showcasing some of the best current African musicians, schedule as follows: 06/26 Femi Kuti & the Positive Force …

The Cedar and Sue McLean & Associates brought Femi Kuti and The Positive Force to the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on Friday night, July 15th. This was the second show for the Cedar’s annual “African Summer” music series... and by the large turnout to Friday’s event, it’s a huge success. This is really a good thing, as only the Cedar and the Walker Art Center seemed to be the only two venues bringing world music to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, and it’s a “positive” thing.

Worldwide Discotheque

Worldwide Discotheque was a DJ who spun some World, Tribal, Afro-Dance music, to keep guests entertained while waiting for the show to begin. They continued to provide music between sets (and even after the show). The unique thing about them is that they only used a vinyl setup... which is challenging when queueing up the correct song, etc.

Zuluzuluu

Zuluzuluu opened up the show. This experimental project is fronted by Greg Grease, and seemed to look like three men standing over electronic switches. They described themselves as African/Astro music, and had more in common with current pop/r&b sound, with heavy dance, funk beats. I understand what they trying to, that is to take African music and take it into the future or modern age... but to me, the heavy reliance on electronic-produced sound kind of defeats why people like Africana music (which has always been traditional organic instruments). Perhaps time will tell if people accept this new sound or not.

Highlight of their set: they had a guest flutist and saxophonist Troy Williams (of Mind and Matter) appeared near the end of their set.

Femi Kuti

If you’re not familiar with Femi Kuti’s name, he is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti (or simply known as Fela). Like Fela’s youngest son Seun Kuti, Femi continues his father’s massive music legacy by creating new Afrobeat works and campaigning against political injustice (in fact, some of the songs performed live included a piece about “Political Corruption” in his song ‘Politics Na Big Business’).

In a typical funk show with a large musical cast (there were at least 15 people on stage), we get a long introduction to the various band members. At first, the backing back, known as The Positive Force, came on stage, playing their intro music. Next, the horns section comes on and do their little ditty... then promptly head back to their respective area. The traditional girl dancers in colorful garb came on next, did a little twerking, and then settled in the dancing section. Finally, the main star of the show, Femi Kuti came on stage to a roaring cheer from the audience.

Right at the start of Femi’s show, he tells us, “This is Africa. This is Afrobeat.” He asked us to forgive him for not talking much, as he would rather just let the music play, hoping that through his music that he brought Africa to us.

The majority of his set seemed to be songs from his last few albums, including 2013’s No Place for My Dream and 2010’s Africa for Africa (live set included the title track). However, he did play some unrecorded music, which he said, “now for the new.”

If you want to learn more about Afrobeat, you really need to check out a Femi or Seun Kuti show. I promise you will be dancing throughout the night.

Femi Kuti at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (15 July 2016)

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

Doomtree at Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis (10 July 2016)

Read More Doomtree Minneapolis hip-hop collective Doomtree is on the road to SXSW 2015! The tour is also to promote his upcoming full-lenth album All Hands, due January 27, 2015 on their own Doomtree Records. ....

The best thing about the music scene here in the Twin Cities? No matter what's going on around us, there is always a place where you can escape to. You will be surrounded by friends and strangers. There will be no violence, no drama, just music and the feeling you get from being at a live show. Sunday night was no different.

Doomtree played a free show yesterday at Sociable Cider Werks in Saint Paul. It was a day full of friends, music, cider and gorgeous weather. It was a perfect getaway from the craziness of the world we live in.

ZuluZuluu was the sole opener for the show. Their music was very chill and soothing. People seemed to enjoy it as they all crowded into the few shady areas to escape the heat. The music was very ambient at times but at other times had very complex rhythms and sounds.

Doomtree photo: John

After an hour long set, it was time for Doomtree to set up. I glanced around the parking and realized just how many people had come out to the event. There were all kinds of people there. Like many of the free festivals that happen here in the cities, there was a good mix of people who were there for the music and people who probably just lived in the area and wanted to see what was going on.

Doomtree started with a couple of new songs but quickly moved into a medley of about five old songs that the crowd went crazy over. Their whole set was full of just Doomtree songs which was a bit different than the previous times I have seen them.

Dessa photo: John

Let me break it down Doomtree for you, they are a hip-hop collective of seven individuals (Cecil Otter, Dessa, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan, Paper Tiger, P.O.S and Sims), each member has a solo or side project that they work on when Doomtree isn't active (although it seems like they're always active). The previous times I have seen them each member performs one of their own songs while the other members hang in the background. Last night was the first time I have seen them when each song was a Doomtree song... there were no Dessa songs, no Sims songs... just Doomtree and it was truly a show of just how much talent this group has.

Doomtree took 30 seconds of silence to honor the fallen and the recent events. The crowd respected those 30 seconds and took the time to do what they felt needed to be done whether it was pray, take a sip of beer, stare at the ground in order in keep your balance... whatever. It was respectful and it was a much needed 30 seconds of silence. The members of Doomtree didn't force an opinion on the crowd, hell they didn't even bring up on specific event. It was the most beautiful 30 seconds of the night.

Doomtree with Har Mar Superstar photo: John

The show ended with one last hoorah as Doomtree sang their hit song ‘Bangarang’. I had noticed Har Mar Superstar walking around the crowd earlier in the night so it was no surprise to see him on stage with Doomtree as they all danced like fools. It was a perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.

The show was the first part of Sociable Cider Werk’s Summer Concert series. They will be hosting one show each month this summer. The next show’s announced will be Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires (with 4ontheFloor and Eleganza) on August 21st. Full details on their website sociablecider.com ... make sure you snatch up a free ticket early!

Doomtree at Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis (10 July 2016) photo: John

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Minneapolis: July 15, 2016

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on July 15, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Femi Kuti As usual, the Cedar does a great job putting together the lineup, showcasing some of the best current African musicians, schedule as follows: 06/26 Femi Kuti & the Positive Force …

FEMI KUTI
at Cedar Cultural Center
Friday, 07/15/16, 7pm ($50/$55)
thecedar.org

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti’s eldest son Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force will be headlining the Cedar Cultural Center this Friday, July 15th. Femi was last seen at the Cedar in 2013... although we did see his younger brother Seun Kuti at Rock the Garden 2015.

Zuluzuluu and Worldwide Discotheque DJs to open.

Tour dates:

07/10/16 Summerfest
07/11/16 Chicago, IL Millennium Park
07/14/16 Omaha, NE Slowdown
07/15/16 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center
07/16/16 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
07/17/16 Forecastle Festival
07/20/16 Grand Rapids, MI Frederik Meijer
07/21/16 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
07/22/16 Wayhome Music And Arts
07/24/16 XPoNential Music Festival
07/26/16 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall
07/27/16 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl
07/28/16 Pittsburgh, PA The Altar Bar
07/29/16 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
07/30/16 Floydfest

Read More Mississippi Hot Club Flour & Sawdust by Mississippi Hot Club "Flour & Sawdust" by Mississippi Hot Club features the music of Django Reinhardt and other classic gyspy jazz tunes. The album release will be celebrated at Eagles Club 34 Ballroom …

MISSISSIPPI HOT CLUB
at Eagles Club
Friday, 07/15/16, 8pm ($5)
minneapoliseagles34.org

Local band Mississippi Hot Club (guitarist Joshua Parlanti, violinist Alissa Jacobsen, rhythm guitarist Luke Zupan, rhythm guitarist Ian Stenlund, and upright bassist Joseph Downing) is having their CD release party for Flour & Sawdust, next Friday, July 15th at the Eagles 34 Ballroom. Expect Django Reinhardt and other traditional jazz standards.

The 21+ event is $5 and will also feature special guests for the evening are DJ Kelsey Burns and Jazzland Wonderband.

Mississippi Hot Club’s next gig after this will be at the Icehouse on August 11th.

Additional details:

It's time to celebrate!

We made a limited run of our new album "Flour & Sawdust" in the fall, and now we're ready to share it with the rest of the world!

The event will be held in the Eagles 34 Ballroom, a perfect space for dancing. Vintage fashion and costumes encouraged!

Our special guests Jazzland Wonderband will be gracing us with the sounds of Dixieland.

CDs will be available at the show, and then also available on iTunes and all other digial services shortly after.

$5
21+
8:00pm Doors
8:30pm DJ Kelsey and Swing Dance Lesson
9:30pm Music

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