W♥M

We♥KC- August 16-22, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read More Silversun Pickups Recently, Silversun Pickups announced their 15-date November tour, with special guest Zella Day. The tour will hit all major cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Tulsa, and more.

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

School’s back in and preseason football has begun, signaling an end to summer, but there’s still a few warm triple-digit days left. Country music is still strong, as evidenced by Guitars & Cadillacs recently opening in Overland Park (with a concert from ex-KC resident Ty Herndon), but so is punk as a DIY club on Stadium Drive called Farewell recently opened as well.

A good mix of shows this week, though we’re not above the last-minute postponement, as evidenced by Incubus postponing their Friday night show at Azura, thought the rumor is singer Brandon Boyd’s back problems, not Covid-related, so check those socials before heading out.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro August 16th–22nd

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

Tuesday Aug 16

Hooveriii, Replay Lounge- Lawrence, $10

In support of the new A Round of Applause, the six-member psychedelic space rock band started initially almost a decade ago as a solo drum machine project by Bert Hoover (and is pronounced "Hoover Three"). Influenced by 70s Krautrock, the band aims to re-define their version of prog rock in today’s indie scene.

Austin TX’s Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band was supposed to share the stage for this tour but were forced to drop out due to internal strife and mental well-being issues.

Silversun Pickups Liberty Hall, $27.50-$55

Los Angeles indie rockers are due to return with the August 18^th release of new sixth studio album Physical Thrills, produced by Nirvana producer and Garbage drummer Butch Vig, with advance single, “Scared Together” already out to radio. We saw them last back in 2016, co-headlining with Foals. Live, they’ve been working in their recent cover of the late 80’’s Martika hit, “Toy Soldiers”.

For this 21-date tour, they’ve partnered with PLUS1 with $1 from every ticket sold going to the PLUS1 x Noise For Now Reproductive Health Access Fund supporting access to reproductive rights and services for all.

“You never know what can bring two people together,” notes bandmate Brian Aubert of the new single. This song is about becoming close and intimate with someone through hardship. Being thrown into something quite frightening brings out some shared qualities that connect them.”

Polyphia with Unprocessed and Death Tour, Granada. $22

Texas mostly instrumental prog rock band Polyphia hits the road after dropping new single “Playing God” via Rise Records. This is the band’s first new material since 2019 and since their last studio album, 2018’s New Levels New Devils. German prog metal band Unprocessed as support. Alternative hip hop act Death Tour had to drop off the tour on short-notice due to transportation issues.

Wade Bowen, Knuckleheads, $15

Texas Country/Red Dirt singer-songwriter and former member of West 84 has new single, “Everything Has Your Memory” out now, in advance of full-length, Somewhere Between the Secret and The Truth, just released on August 12^th.

Bowen’s debut album “Try Not to Listen” in 2002 made an initial splash on country radio and several albums followed, including live releases, The Blue Light Live and Live at Billy Bob’s Texas. More recently he’s worked alongside fellow Texan Randy Rogers on Hold My Beer, Volumes 1 and 2.

Sister Act at Starlight Theatre August 16-21 $15-$98

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the lifestyle and Mother Superior. Filled with gospel music, dancing and a moving story, Sister Act is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship.

 Wednesday Aug 17

Petite Amie miniBar, $10

Mexico City-based psych pop group heads out on tour after sharing new single “Otra Vez”, via Devil in the Woods Records, taken from their forthcoming new album. Carlos Medina also doubles as the bassist for Little Jesus, but this project considers The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Big Thief, Magic Potion, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Crumb as main musical influences.

Local dark shoegazers Redder Moon to open in support of full-length “Hell is Other People” and more recent remixes.

Richie Kotzen, Knuckleheads. $24

Following projects with The Winery Dogs and Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, the lauded guitarist is out on a solo tour. Over his long career, he’s opened for The Rolling Stones in Japan and been a member of both Mr. Big and Poison, though his own work is much more blues rock-oriented.

Thursday Aug 18

The Devil Wears Prada w/ Stray From The Path, Dying Wish, The Truman, $25-$44

Dayton, OH metalcore/Christian metal rockers out in support of the new Color Decay album. They are expected to play both 2010’s Zombie and last year’s sequel ZII EPs back-to-back, as well as new favorites and a selection of older tunes.

Black Stone Cherry, Knuckleheads. $20

Kentucky Southern rock four piece out in support of 2020’s The Human Condition and follow up live release, recorded at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. The band has been going since 2001, and recently has been working in a Tracy Chapman cover into their live sets.

Doobie, Bottleneck. $20-$25/$100VIP

Not to be confused with the much older Doobie Brothers of course, the Ohio rapper is out on his Bat Shxt Krazy Tour with new album Misery Loves Kompany 2 out now.

Ann Wilson (of Heart), Prairie Band Casino-Mayetta, $65

The legendary singer has a new solo album out, Fierce Bliss, which is a mix of covers and originals, and we saw her show which included both and plenty of Heart classics, on a blacktop parking lot back in 2017. Despite the age of 72, her vocals have remained mostly intact, sending familiar songs and covers from Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Rolling Stones, soaring.

Friday Aug 19

Alice in Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Bush, $29.89-$125

Part of local station 98.9 The Rock’s Rock the ‘Dotte series, spotlighting rock shows in Wyandotte County. Though AiC singer William DuVall recently put out a solo album, Alice in Chains’ latest is still 2018’s Rainier Fog, though the group hopes to reconvene in the studio following this summer tour.

Breaking Benjamin is due for a new one as well after 2018’s Aurora, though did release a Goo Goo Dolls cover with Diamante in 2020. Gavin Rossdale and Bush, however, do have a new record out, The Art of Survival, and will likely be playing all those familiar ‘90s hits as well.,

Boz Scaggs w The Robert Cray Band, Kauffman Center, $29-$89

After more than five decades, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Boz Scaggs continues to thrill with his signature blend of rock, blues, and R&B. Scaggs has produced 19 albums and dozens of hits, including “Lido Shuffle,” “Look What You’ve Done to Me,” and “Lowdown.” The seven-time Grammy nominee returns to his roots for the Out of the Blues Tour 2022.

The Robert Cray Band joins on for an evening of blues music. The five-time Grammy winner has a 20-album discography including hits like “Right Next Door (Because of Me),” “Smoking Gun,” and “Blues Get Off My Shoulder.” Singer-songwriter Jeff LeBlanc will open the performance.

New Respects, Encore, $20

Nashville rock and soul band known for energetic live performances released their acoustic EP Don’t Panic, but member Lexi recently bowed out of the band, due to full time motherhood. A chance to see them in the intimate confines of this small room.

Paul Rodriguez (comedian), Aug 19-20, Comedy Club of Kansas City, $24-$36

The longtime stand-up comedian and actor (last seen on-screen in last year’s Clifford the Big Red Dog) returns for two nights of masterclass-level comedy.

Saturday Aug 20

Florist w Marc Merz, recordBar, $15

The Brooklyn indie folk band is out in support of their self-titled album from Double Double Whammy that received a solid 8.5 review on Pitchfork, calling it as much an audio documentary as it is a folk album. We saw them on their first appearance in Minneapolis, back in June 2016 and leader Emily Sprague continues to push the boundaries of her role as lyricist, while still releasing ambient work under his own name. Local electro-folkies Mr. Golden Sun listed as support.

Turnpike Troubadours w Gov’t Mule, Azura Amphitheater, $39.50-$60

After a two-year hiatus, Turnpike Troubadours return to live stages. They released their breakout album Diamonds & Gasoline, in 2010, followed by Goodbye Normal Street, and their self-titled 2015 album featured "The Mercury" and "The Bird Hunters." In 2017, the band released the critically acclaimed album A Long Way From Your Heart.

The mighty Gov’t Mule are back as well, after being sidelined with Covid earlier in the year and Warren Haynes and co are in support of blues album, Heavy Load Blues. Morgan Wade and Muscadine Bloodline are also on the bill.

Tony Orlando, Ameristar, CANCELED

Sunday Aug 21

Kendrick Lamar w Baby Keem, T-Mobile Center, $55-$175

We goin’ be all right-- The Big Steppers Tour is the fifth concert tour by rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar, in support of fifth studio album, 2022’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Arguably, the greatest MC in the game today, early show reviews point to how visually immersive the stage set is and features a glowing cube.

Las Vegas rapper Baby Keem not only guests on the new Lamar album (both also won a Grammy for “Family Ties” in April) but has recent single, “Honest:” out now.

Opener LA rapper Tanna Leone was signed by Lamar to his imprint and has new full-length, Sleepy Soldier out now.

A Day to Remember, The Ghost Inside, Beartooth, Azura Amphitheater, $34-$65

It’s the humbly named Just Some Shows Tour MMXXII and the Florida hard punk pop hardcore group have a new single, “Miracle” released just a few weeks ago. Last full-length was 2021’s You’re Welcome.

LA metalcore group The Ghost Inside is performing songs from their self-titled 2020 release (but fifth full-length) for the first time, after pandemic delays.

Sean Kingston, The Granada – Lawrence, $26-$125

Out on his Road to Deliverance Tour, the Miami R&B/Hip-hop singer has been away for a while, though announced upcoming album Deliverance, with advance single, “Dark Times” featuring G Herbo and also collab’d at the end of 2021 with Japanese rapper TOMORO on single, “Let Me Hold You”.

Happy Together Tour, Kauffman Center, $29-$89

Featuring some of the greatest hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s, the touring roadshow returns with an evening full of 61 Billboard Top 40 smashes. The show features music legends The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, The Buckinghams, The Vogues and The Cowsills.

Monday Aug 22

listen to an album

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

Chelsea Wolfe at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (22 May 2016)

Chelsea Wolfe Setlist Demons Carrion Flowers Dragged Out After the Fall Mer Tracks (Tall Bodies) Movie Screen Feral Love House of Metal Simple Death Color of Blood Iron Moon Survive -- Encore -- Hypnos Halfsleeper A Dead Forest Index Setlist Tide Walks No Paths Ringing Sidereal In Greyness the Water A New Layer W.T.P.C. Myth Retraced Ballad Dust Read More Chelsea Wolfe Just a reminder that Los Angeles' Chelsea Wolfe will be starting her US tour in two days, in support of her latest Abyss (which came out August 7, 2015 via Sargent House). .…

On Sunday, May 22nd, Chelsea Wolfe played a show at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis, her first in the Twin Cities since last August when she performed a show there with co-headliner Woven Hand. This time she headlined, with A Dead Forest Index as opener.

A Dead Forest Index

A Dead Forest Index hail from Auckland, New Zealand and feature the brothers Adam (guitar and vocals) and Sam Sherry (drums). Their music is moody and dreamy, not at all like the jangly sound associated with the New Zealand city of Dunedin (and Flying Nun Records). It featured Adam’s beautiful and unique voice, and I found it evoked images of lonely wind-blown landscapes. They were definitely a fitting opener for Chelsea Wolfe.

They played a 35-minute set of 8 songs. Five of them were from their first full-length album, In All That Drifts From Summit Down, released this year. One song was from their 2012 EP Antique. Chelsea and one of her band mates accompanied them (by clapping) on their last song.

Chelsea Wolfe Setlist

Chelsea Wolfe followed with an hour and a quarter set, comprising 13 songs, followed by a two song, 15 minute encore. She drew heavily from her most recent album, Abyss, with 7 songs. The first song of her encore was a b-side from that album as well, Hypno. She also relied heavily on her 2011 album, Apokalypsis, performing four of the songs from that album. She did two songs from her 2013 album, Pain is Beauty, and ended the night with a song from her 2010 album, The Grime and The Glow, ‘Halfsleeper’.

Accompanied by a bassist, drummer, and guitarist, Chelsea put on a beautiful, sometimes haunting show. She began with some of her harder, more intense songs from Apokalypsis and Abyss. The middle of her set featured several of her dark ballads from Apokalypsis and Pain is Beauty. She returned to some of her more intense songs from Abyss to end the pre-encore set. She ended the night with an extended version of ‘Halfsleeper’. She began the song performing solo. When she was joined on stage by the rest of her band the song increased in volume and intensity. It was a fitting end to an evening of beautiful, sometimes intense, sometimes dreamy, always beautiful music.

Chelsea Wolfe’s remaining tour dates:

05/28/16 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
05/29/16 Vancouver, BC Imperial
05/30/16 Sasquatch! Music Festival
06/01/16 San Francisco, CA The Chapel
06/02/16 San Francisco, CA The Chapel
06/07/16 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
06/08/16 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
08/13/16 Le Locle, Switzerland Patinoire Du Locle

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Hey Rosetta!, w/ Yukon Blonde at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (14 Nov 2015)

Hey Rosetta! Setlist Soft Offering (For The Oft Suffering) Gold Teeth Young Glass What Arrows Kid Gloves Trish's Song Handshake the Gangster Harriet alternative: Promise Red Heart / Black Heart Lions for Scottie alternate: Kintsukuroi Carry Me Home New Goodbye -- Encore -- Bandages Welcome Yukon Blonde Setlist Confused Make U Mine Como Wind Blows Hannah Saturday Night Radio I Wanna Be Your Man Favorite People Stairway Read More Hey Rosetta! It's that time of the month again! That's right, the Communion Club Night is taking place on Tuesday, April 21st. This month will feature Canadian band Hey Rosetta!, they previously opened up for Stars last November 2014. … Yukon Blonde In contrast, Yukon Blonde resides in the light. Their first album, a 2010 self-titled release was pure pop joy, with some amazing hooks and great harmonies. Their …

On Saturday, November 14th two Canadian bands, Yukon Blonde opening for Hey Rosetta!, played a show at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis.

Yukon Blonde's set

Yukon Blonde, based in Vancouver, had played the Twin Cities and this club in particular before, though in 2011 as the headliner. At that time they were touring in support of their first self-titled album and their subsequent EP Fire/Water, and their sound could only be described as bright, almost unbearably catchy indie pop. Their music was characterized by great hooks and beautiful harmonies.

This time they played a set mostly from their new album, On Blonde, which is quite different from their earlier material. It adds dance beats and has fewer vocal harmonies. It is dynamic and dancey, and feels much less retro than their earlier material, especially their first album. They were well received, by both their fans and those new to the band. They played for 45 minutes, including 7 songs off their new album, 2 songs off their 2012 album Tiger Talk, and one song from their first full length self-titled album released in 2010.

Hey Rosetta!'s set

Hey Rosetta!, who were formed and are still based in St. John’s, Newfoundland at the entire other end of the country, followed with a set that lasted just over an hour and a quarter (including their encore).

Since the 7-piece band (featuring Tim Baker, Phil Maloney, Adam Hogan, Josh Ward, Romesh Thavanathan, Kinley Dowling and Mara Pellerin) is currently celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary as a band, this current tour served somewhat like a "Greatest Hits" tour, drawing heavily on their most recent release, 2014’s Second Sight (7 songs), but included tracks from all their albums. There were 3 songs from their previous release 2011’s Seeds, 3 from their 2008 release Into Your Lungs, 1 from their first full length release 2006’s Plan Your Escape, and 1 from their holiday EP A Cup of Kindness Yet.

Their set was a representative display of their beautiful multi-instrument anthemic chamber pop. Their band members played a variety of instruments including cello, violin, keyboards, and xylophone-like instruments, as well as drums, and electric guitars and bass.

Hey Rosetta! recently unveiled a new music video for "Trish's Song", taken from their latest album Second Sight. You can watch it on vimeo.com. The video shows singer Tim Baker alone with a piano, but slowly featured backup vocals from various band members.

Overall the Triple Rock Social Club show was a fine concert by two Canadian bands that each deserve far larger followings.

Remaining tour dates:

Nov 19 - Kingston, ON @ Grand Theatre
Nov 20 - Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
Nov 21 - Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre
Nov 22 - Ottawa, ON @ NAC
Nov 24 - Moncton, NB @ T&B Ballroom
Nov 25 - Saint John, NB @ Kent Theatre
Nov 26 - Halifax, NS @ Rebecca Cohn Aud
Nov 27 - Halifax, NS @ Rebecca Cohn Aud
Dec 16 - St. John’s @ Holy Heart
Dec 17 - St.John's @ Holy Heart
Dec 18 - St.John's @ Holy Heart

Hey Rosetta! 10 Years XO: 2005-2015

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com

Minneapolis: November 14, 2015

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on November 14, 2015.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Hey Rosetta! It's that time of the month again! That's right, the Communion Club Night is taking place on Tuesday, April 21st. This month will feature Canadian band Hey Rosetta!, they previously opened up for Stars last November 2014. … Yukon Blonde Yukon Blonde: Stairway. Dine Alone Music Copyright: (C) 2012 Yukon Blonde. Under exclusive license to Dine Alone Music Inc. …

HEY ROSETTA!
at Triple Rock Social Club
Saturday, 11/14/2015, 7pm ($12)
triplerocksocialclub.com

On Saturday November 14th two fine Canadian bands from opposite ends of the country will perform at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The headliner, Hey Rosetta!, is from St. John’s, Newfoundland, while Yukon Blonde, the opener, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The two previously toured together in 2012. Fittingly, given their vast geographical separation, they are a bit of a yin-yang pairing, but both can be riveting.

Hey Rosetta! is the dark side of the pairing. Their music is at times subdued, and at times anthemic, but always dramatic and moving, often with a sense of sadness. They feature classical instruments (piano, violin, and cello) in addition to more traditional rock instruments. They have released four albums, the first in 2006, and the most recent, Second Sight, in 2014. The latest tour is in celebration of the band's 10 year anniversary.

In contrast, Yukon Blonde resides in the light. Their first album, a 2010 self-titled release was pure pop joy, with some amazing hooks and great harmonies. Their most recent album, “On Blonde” released this year, changes things up a bit but still preserves their energy and brightness. With layers of synths on top of their guitar-driven songs, it is more likely to get the audience up and dancing than their previous efforts.

Tour dates:

11/07/15 Victoria, BC McPherson Playhouse 11/09/15 Edmonton, AB Winspear Centre 11/10/15 Calgary, AB Jack Singer 11/11/15 Saskatoon, SK Broadway Theatre 11/12/15 Winnipeg, MB Garrick Centre 11/14/15 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock 11/15/15 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall 11/16/15 London, ON London Music Hall

11/17/15 Kitchener, ON Centre In The Square 11/19/15 Kingston, ON Grand Theatre 11/20/15 Toronto, ON Massey Hall 11/21/15 M Pour Montreal 11/21/15 Montreal, QC Virgin Mobile Corona 11/22/15 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre 11/25/15 Saint John, NB Kent Theatre 11/27/15 Halifax, NS Rebecca Cohn

Read More Gogol Bordello Gogol Bordello is back with Pura Vida Conspiracy, coming out July 23, 2013, on ATO/Casa Gogol Records. Check out this RollingStone.com .… Jessica Hernandez If you have an iPod or iPad, you can grab the single to "Tired Oak" by Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas for free on iTunes. …

GOGOL BORDELLO
at First Avenue
Saturday, 11/14/2015, 8pm ($30)
first-avenue.com

Start wearing purple, wearing purple!

Gogol Bordello is back celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Underdog World Strike with a double-night at First Avenue. They are playing the entire album from start to finish, plus throwing in some classic hits for this special show. Also, typically when they double book the venue, it is because they anticipate the shows to sell out. Expect the venue to be sold out or at least 90% packed with fellow gypsy punks.

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas to open. Hernandez was previously in town as part of the special Red Bull Sound Select, which was at an unbeatable price of $3 with RSVP.

Tour dates:

11/07/15 Austin, TX Auditorium Shores
11/08/15 Dallas, TX Bomb Factory
11/09/15 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
11/11/15 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
11/12/15 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre
11/13/15 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
11/14/15 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
11/15/15 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings
11/18/15 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference
11/19/15 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall Ballroom
11/21/15 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
11/22/15 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
11/23/15 Portland, OR McMenamins Crystal
11/25/15 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre
11/27/15 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
11/28/15 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl
12/30/15 New York, NY Terminal 5
12/31/15 New York, NY Terminal 5
01/01/16 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
01/02/16 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Read More Brian Setzer I was shopping around for some of my writers to review this CD for Brian Setzer Orchestra's Wolfgang's Big Night Out, but after listening to a few songs, I love it so much … Pepper Island Records recently signed alt-rock trio Pepper, releasing their self-titled sixth album yesterday (September 3rd) with a new single called "F**k Around (All Night)". … Elephant Revival Colorado's Elephant Revival and the Lowest Pair are currently heading down to "Boats & Bluegrass Festival" and "Maximum Ames Music Festival" in late September, but before stopped … Angel Haze Colorado's Dirty Gold is the new album from Angel Haze (aka Raykeea Wilson), it is coming out March 3rd, 2014, on Island Records (UK)/Universal Republic (US). …

VARIOUS ARTISTS
at Various Venues
Saturday, 11/14/2015
news.weheartmusic.com

It's a typical Saturday night with too many shows in the Minneapolis and St Paul area.

I've spotlighted some of the upcoming shows below:

Illinois pop punk and GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum Plain White T's was recently in town in June 2015, supporting Rob Thomas, but will be headlining their own show at Mill City Nights. Matt McAndrew and Beta Play to open ($20/8pm).

You know me, I love Stray Cats and frontman Brian Setzer is responsible for not only bringing back rockabilly, but also swing music with his Brian Setzer Orchestra band. They'll be in town as part of their annual Christmas Tour tradition at Orpheum Theatre. ($53/8pm).

PS The band recently put together a PledgeMusic campaign to produce a limited edition Rockin' Rudolph box sets. Unfortunately only the T-Shirts and the regular box set is available for purchase, see all the details at pledgemusic.com.

Inventive DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers recently launched their fan-sourced, #TiltTour.... going to cities where they are in demand (with the first 6 cities to pre-sell at least 800 tickets). Count Minneapolis as one of the demanded cities, as they stop in at the Skyway Theatre. Matoma, Shaun Frank and Louis The Child to open. ($20/7pm).

San Diego, by the way of Hawaii, band Pepper (not to be confused with Sandra "Pepa" Denton or London singer Pepper) will play the Fine Line Music Café with their two amigos Ballyhoo! and Katastro. ($23.50/7pm)

Elephant Revival is returning to the Twin Cities at Turf Club in Saint Paul. LOTT (aka Minneapolis musician, Leah Ottman of We Are The Willows) to open. ($17/8pm/Sold Out).

Two-time "Best Female Hip Hop Artist" MTV VMA nominee Angel Haze will be stopping by The Nether Bar inside Mill City Nights ($15/8pm).

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

Hayden at the Turf Club, St Paul (13 June 2015)

Setlist Hey Love Rainy Saturday The Hazards of Sitting Beneath Palm Trees Motel Nowhere We Cannot Go Home by Saturday Worthy of Your Esteem Where & When Let's Break Up Wicked Game (Chris Isaak cover) solo No Happy Birthday Bad as They Get Almost Everything Bass Song Trees Lounge Dynamite Walls Read More Hayden Leading up to Valentine's Day, Hayden shared the title track, "Hey Love", from the forthcoming Arts & Crafts release, Hey Love, over at Soundcloud....

Hayden Desser, the Canadian musician who performs under the name Hayden, played at The Turf Club in St. Paul on Saturday night, June 13th. Touring in support of his new album, Hey Love, he and his three piece band played songs from throughout his career during his 100 minute set.

Setlist

He opened with the title track of Hey Love, and played two more songs from that album during the show, including a solo acoustic version of “No Happy Birthday.” He played one song each from his two albums of the 1990’s, Everything I Long For and The Closer I Get. The song, “Bad as They Get,” from the former, was also played solo acoustic. He played two songs from his third album, Skyscraper National Park, and one from his fourth studio album, Elk-Lake Serenade. He played two from In Field and Town, one from The Place Where We Lived, and three from his 2013 album Us Alone. He also performed a cover of “one of the best songs of the 80’s,” Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” And he ended the show with an unamplified song performed off the stage, among the audience.

vital, moving, and at times, beautiful

It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of his first album, and Hayden still manages to make a personal connection with the audience. There were veterans in the audience who had seen him many times, and a few who were first discovering him, but the entire audience seemed into it. I can’t recall a moment of conversation intruding on the performance, even in Hayden’s quietest moments. And that’s unusual for a small venue with a bar right there. He may not be a star, not in Minnesota anyway, but he knows how to hold the audience’s interest and put on a good show. And his music remains vital, moving, and at times, beautiful.

The opener was Ryan Holweger, a local musician playing with that particular 4 piece band for the first time. I was told that his previous performances have been solo. Despite that, they sounded tight. They played a 35 minute set of rootsy Americana, including a cover of Kenny Roger’s “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.”

Hayden's remaining tour dates:

06/18 Philadelphia PA - World Cafe Live*
06/19 New York NY - Irving Plaza*

* w/ Bahamas

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com

Liquid Music, feat. Victoire, Noveller, and Glasser at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (09 May 2015)

Glasser photo credit: Jonathan Turner About Liquid Music Liquid Music is a concert series presented by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra that expands the world of classical music through innovative new projects, boundary-defying artists, and unique presentation formats. Liquid Music performances invite adventurous audiences of all ages to discover the new and the fascinating in the colorful landscape of classical music today. Read More Liquid Music The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series, now in its third season, offers performances by artists who bend the distinctions between classical music and other genres, and take their music in new and unique .....

On May 9th the final concert in this season’s Liquid Music series was held at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Performing were Noveller, Victoire, and Glasser.

Noveller performed first on electric guitar, and played a 35 minute set. She was accompanied by Victoire on the opening song, and played solo after that. Though solo, it was hardly the sound of a single guitar. Noveller used and created loops to build complex multi-layered songs. Her music was accompanied by images, mostly abstract, projected on a screen at the back of the stage.

Victoire followed with another 35 minute set, playing the compositions of one of their members, Missy Mizzoli, from their two albums. Their ensemble of six included the violin, clarinet, keyboards and electronics, a double bass, and a vocalist. Noveller joined them on electric guitar for one song. Their music was ethereal, at times operatic. They too, were accompanied by projected images, adding to the mood created by their music.

The last artist, Glasser performed solo for the first 25 minutes of her set, and then accompanied by Victoire for the last 15 minutes. Solo, her songs were accompanied by a variety of recorded music. She had an animated, sensual presentation, using her arms and body to act out many of the sounds of the accompanying recordings, and to embellish the mood of her songs.

The music of the three artists really represents three different genres. Noveller’s music can be seen as avant-garde experimental rock, her songs sometimes minimalist, sometimes complex. Victoire’s music, could be termed avant-garde as well, but is rooted in classical, rather than rock music. Vocals are featured in their music, whereas Noveller’s is strictly instrumental, and a single instrument at that. Glasser’s music is the most vocally centered of all. Hard to categorize, it features her ethereal, but often emotionally expressive, vocals over sparse electronic rhythms.

Despite their differences they do have quite a bit in common, their collaborations during the performance making that clear. They are of course all women, and they are each exploring music that pushes against accepted categories, and blurs distinctions between genres. For the audience it was an opportunity to face challenges to their own expectations about music. And probably for most, the opportunity to encounter musical directions they had not seen in performance.

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Tonight: Noveller / Glasser / Victoire at the Walker Art Center

Liquid Music: Noveller Photo: Alex Marks Read More Liquid Music The acclaimed Liquid Music Series from Saint Paul’s Chamber Orchestra continues its second season, bound and determined to “expand the world of classical music through innovative new projects … …

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series, now in its third season, offers performances by artists who bend the distinctions between classical music and other genres, and take their music in new and unique directions. On Saturday, May 9^th, the final performance of the season will take place at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. There will be performances by three artists, all women: Composer/electric guitarist Noveller, synthpop chanteuse Glasser, and new classical chamber ensemble Victoire.

Noveller is the solo project of the Austin, Texas born and raised, and now Brooklyn-based guitarist, Sarah Lipstate. As Noveller, she has released 7 full-length albums, the first in 2009, and most recently, Fantastic Planet in 2015.

Glasser is the electronic project of the Los Angeles vocalist, Cameron Mesirow. She has released two full-length albums, and recently relocated to New York. Her more recent album, Interiors released in 2013 was inspired by that move.

The five woman New York-based group Victoire performs the compositions of composer Missy Mazzoli. They have released two albums, Cathedral City in 2010, followed by Vespers for a New Dark Age in 2015. The latter album is a collaboration with the percussionist Glen Kotche of the band Wilco.

The Noveller / Glasser / Victoire show takes place tonight at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Tickets are $22 ($18 Walker members) and are available at walkerart.org/tickets or by calling 612.375.7600.

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Max Jury w/ Bonzie at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (9 April 2015)

Read More Max Jury Des Moines singer-songwriter Max Jury is excited to announce his Spring North American headlining tour dates today. The tour begins on April 9 in Minneapolis before heading throughout the Midwest ..... Bonzie March 7: 7th Street Entry Cayucas W/ Bonzie /Bonzie, aka 18-year-old Chicagoan Nina Ferraro, is set to open up the 7th Street Entry show. .....

On the 9th of April Max Jury played at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis. Bonzie opened, and each played a 45 minute set. The audience was small, but responded well to both artists.

Bonzie's Setlist

Bonzie was a revelation to many there. Rather than the singer/songwriter many seemed to expect, she was musically eclectic and adventurous. One of her songs, an instrumental, would even fit nicely into the post rock genre. Powerful one moment and quirky the next, she held the audience’s attention from start to finish, no mean feat for an opener. She clearly had things to say, both musically and lyrically. She was accompanied by 4 musicians playing drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards/synthesizer. She herself played guitar, acoustic or electric.

Appearing to be only a few years older than the not-yet-drinking-age Bonzie, Max Jury came off very differently. He had a calm, laid-back demeanor, and seemed both sincere and just slightly world-weary cynical. I couldn’t help but think of Hank Williams, without (for the most part) the twang, and with an electric piano instead of a guitar. With a great voice, and memorable songs he seemed perfect for late night at a small club. He was accompanied by an electric bass.

Max Jury is touring in support of his latest EP All I Want: The Sonic Factory Sessions; check out his latest new music video for "Home" on youtube.com. The "Home" single will be available tomorrow, April 16, via Marathon Artists.

Jury's remaining tour dates:

04/15 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
04/16 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
04/17 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Café
04/19 - Monreal, QC @ Le Divan Orange
04/20 - Toronto, ON @ The Drake
04/23 - Madison, WI @ Frequency
04/24 - Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Agent Orange, w/ Architects at 7th Street, Minneapolis (2 Oct 2014)

Read More Agent Orange If you were into California punk bands from the 80s and 90s, bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Vandals, and, of course, Agent Orange from Orange County ...

On Thursday October 2nd Agent Orange played the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis.

The Architects, from Kansas City, opened with a 10 song, 40 minute set of rowdy raucous rock and roll. Several times they expressed how appreciative they were to be opening for Agent Orange, idols of their own formative years, and backed it up with a high energy set. Few in the audience seemed to know them at the start, but warmed to them considerably.

Border Wars: Episode II Exodus Entertainment

The Architects' latest release is Border Wars: Episode II, a comic book illustrated by Mallory Dorn with CD, was officially released September 9, 2014 on Exodus Entertainment. The band will support Agent Orange on the road throughout the month of October.

When Agent Orange took the stage things took a decidedly more punky turn. Their set included many of their classic songs, together with several covers including songs by Johnny Rivers ("Secret Agent Man"), Jefferson Airplane ("Somebody to Love"), The Who ("Shakin’ All Over"), and the Dead Kennedys.

The audience responded with major enthusiasm, though some of the usual punk show activities were rendered somewhat more dangerous by the lack of crowd density. That didn’t keep people from trying, though. Happy to report that none of the sometimes scary-looking falls, crashes, and tumbles seemed to result in serious injury. Agent Orange included two encores in their super high energy hour and a quarter set. They were clearly into it, and so was the audience.

All dates with The Architects:

10/07 Detroit, MI Magic Stick 10/08 Lakewood, OH The Foundry 10/09 Pittsburgh, PA Alter Bar 10/10 Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club 10/11 Providence, RI Firehouse 13 10/12 Collinsville, CT Bridge Street Live 10/14 Kenilworth, NJ 10th Street Live 10/15 Stanhope, NJ Stanhope House 10/17 New York, NY Santo’s Party House

10/18 Asbury Park, NJ Asbury Lanes 10/19 Philadelphia, PA North Star 10/20 Washington DC Black Cat 10/21 Richmond, VA Bandito Burrito Lounge 10/22 Virginia Beach, VA Shakas 10/23 Louisville, KY Zanzabar 10/24 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck 10/25 Oklahoma City, OK Leon’s Lounge 10/26 Tulsa, OK Shrine

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Hayden at the Triple Rock Social Club

Tour Dates 06/08/13 Toronto, ON Fort York and Garrison 08/09/13 Regina, SK Regina Folk Festival 08/10/13 Regina, SK Regina Folk Festival 08/11/13 Regina, SK Regina Folk Festival Read More Hayden Hayden is wrapping up his post-SXSW tour this week, stopping by Minneapolis' Triple Rock Social Club this Easter Sunday (tomorrow, March 31st). He is here to promote his seventh album, Us Alone . …

Hayden, the Canadian singer/songwriter/grunge-rocker (yes he is eclectic) played at the Triple Rock Social Club (with fellow Canadian opener Lou Cannon) in Minneapolis last Sunday night in front of a small (80 or so), but enthusiastic audience. He mixed old and new material in a set that lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Toward the middle of the set his band-mates left the stage and he played solo, showcasing his folky side. After they rejoined him, he picked it up a bit, rocking out on several numbers, particularly the last tracks of his set and encore, "Dynamite Walls" from his album Skyscraper National Park, and "In September" from his first album Everything I Long For, respectively.

Hayden actually performed a second, seemingly unintentional second encore. He stuck his head out, apparently not quite believing that most of the audience was still there calling for more, and the explosion of applause and cheers left him little choice but to come back out and perform one last song, the piano ballad "Wide Eyes" from Elk-Lake Serenade. It was a beautiful end to a fine evening of music, showcasing again what an outstanding talent this artist from Toronto has been for over 15 years, under appreciated as he is.

Hayden just finished his tour for Us Alone. The new album is out now on Arts & Crafts.

robert ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ wasteyourdaysaway.com