Photos by Darrell Lloyd Words by Casey Carlson Before Joe Keery even played a note at the sold-out Palace Theatre in Saint Paul, the buzz in the room was undeniable. People showed up expecting a solid show, sure — but many, like me, weren’t prepared to walk away as full-blown fans of Djo, the musical […]
Two things were clear from the amount of denim jackets, bandannas, and trucker caps at First Avenue last night: Fall has arrived, and so has MJ Lenderman. Performing his biggest headlining show to date in the iconic Mainroom, Lenderman brought in a crowd as eclectic and twangy as his music, so much so that fans […]
The title of Dawes’ 9th studio album, in true Dawes fashion, invites us to read a little bit deeper depending on how you look at it. Oh Brother conveniently leaves out punctuation so that we, the listener, can interpret it in different ways. The first way to read into the title is its classic usage— […]
Feature image by Dominic East Other images and words by Casey Carlson It’s nearly two minutes into the album before Charlie Hall finally slams in with the drums to kick off Harmonia’s Dream. In the minutes leading up to it, a synth pulses, gently emerging from the void, like the steady tick of a metronome […]
Article Photo by Karly Hartzman. Words by Casey Carlson The closing song of MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks might catch you by surprise if you’re scanning the tracklist and not clued into the humor of MJ Lenderman. Bark At The Moon is not a cover of Ozzy Osborn’s song – but rather – an original song […]
When Allison Russell and her band took the stage at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center to open for Hozier, it became immediately clear that the audience was in for something special. Though most of the crowd may not have been familiar with her, Russell is an artist far beyond the “rising star” label that can […]
Faye Webster, the Atlanta-based artist recently wrapped up her “Underdressed at The Symphony” tour with a captivating performance at the historic Palace Theatre in St. Paul, returning to the twin cities for the second time since October. The All-ages show at the palace was a fitting way to end her world tour, which kicked off […]
Rarely does the Minneapolis Armory, a typical venue for pop icons and DJ stars, get turned into a temple of blues-rock – But The Tedeschi Trucks Band proved it could be done, serving up a scorching set that left the packed house breathless. The 12-piece powerhouse, led by guitar virtuosos Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, […]
Photos and Writing by Eliza Mann You’ve likely been wondering: what is hotter than a 96 degree heatwave in Denver, Colorado? Virtually nothing. Tonight, however, there is an answer: The XOXO Tour just landed in the Box State 8:16:00 7/31/24 I rush across a busy Colfax from my questionable parking spot and to the Fillmore […]
In a time when Twin Cities music festivals seem to be shipwrecked, The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival emerged as an unexpected beacon of hope for music lovers in the Twin Cities, and even around the country. Set against the backdrop of St. Paul’s Harriet Island – a venue with a rock pedigree that includes R.E.M., […]
As the synths of “King of Sweden” filled the ornate confines of St. Paul’s Palace Theatre, Future Islands launched into a set that was measured parts of both nostalgic reverie and feverish catharsis. Frontman Samuel T. Herring commanded the stage with raw emotion and theatrical physicality that most other bands should take note of, his […]
There’s an effortless naturalism to Katie Crutchfield’s songcraft that belies the profound inner depths her music plumbs. At St. Paul’s Palace Theatre Friday night, the Waxahatchee frontwoman spun the magical indie folk tales of her hard-won self-discovery, leaving the modern, yet ornate venue soaked in the radiant melancholy of her confessionals. Modern yet ornate is […]
There will always be the same familiar arguments echoing across the internet, especially in the endless depths of music pages on Facebook and YouTube comment sections: “They just don’t make them like they used to!” It’s the rallying cry of classic rock enthusiasts, nostalgic for something like the raw power of Led Zeppelin or the […]
“We like to check in with our audience in between songs, because, believe it or not, a lot of sad people come to our shows.” Joked Sam Bentley, one of the founding members of The Paper Kites, during their show at the Fine Line Music Cafe. He was right that a lot of sad people […]
Nestled within the heart of Minneapolis, The Fine Line Music Cafe has a knack for quietly hosting some of the most talented musicians on the road today. My experiences there have consistently unveiled acts that, in their brilliance, seem almost too grand for the intimate confines of the venue. So it’s no wonder that Sarah […]
Tonight’s show is a celebration of 89.3’s 19th birthday, and like any 19 year old, they’re facing somewhat of an identity crisis. It’s the time in your life when the friends you swore you would have for life at 14 have moved on without you. (We miss you Wheat, Looch, and Jade) Like a teenager’s […]
2023 was a standout year for music, featuring a mix of emerging local talent, eagerly awaited stadium performances, and exciting new artists. As the touring season winds down with the arrival of the colder months, we’re taking this opportunity to reflect on some of the most memorable concerts we had the pleasure of experiencing. We […]
Article and Photos by Eliza Mann 15 Minutes to the pre-performance this Saturday, December 16, and over half of Mission Ballroom was filled with attendants. Hurrying in to grab my spot, I notice leopard print fur coats, ‘rave’ goggles, and the ever-popular style choice of button down flannels paired with 5-panel hats. I am in […]
First Avenue is often known as the musical melting pot of the city, And while it may skew towards indie acts, It’s still a packed house when California cowboys swing through town. Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real turned the club into their own. Flannel-clad hipsters mingled with denim-dusted veterans wearing tour tees […]
Faye Webster wants her listeners to get the joke. Give her music a casual listen, and you might miss the punchline. There’s a type of humor here that can be found deep beneath the surface in the melancholy waltz’s of her music. Yet, she never takes herself too seriously. Like Courtney Barnett, there’s a smirk […]
On the corner of Hennepin and Lagoon in Minneapolis, an iconic sign and marquee light up the night, casting a much needed glow back over the neighborhood. The Uptown Theatre, once a cherished local movie theater, has reemerged this year as a new concert venue hoping to become just as memorable, proudly reclaiming its position […]
Article by Casey Carlson. Photography by Darrell Lloyd. ZHU brought his Immersive Live Tour to the Minneapolis Armory last week, and it was a night that fans will remember as pure electronic bliss. The show featured a massive, high resolution LED wall that projected stunning visuals, as well as a number of special effects that […]
“It’s our fourth time playing First Avenue” revealed Adam Weiner during his show last night. He retained his usual seat on the bench behind his upright piano, affectionally named Nellie (that is, if affectionate means having it’s named carved into the wood on the side.) Nellie, like Adam, both appeared to have been through hell […]
As band members entered the stage in the darkness, they carried lanterns with them – casting a warm glow. It guided them to their spots on the stage while also illuminating the faces of the crowd, many of whom were already glowing with excitement. It was reminiscent of the final night at summer camp, where […]
Fronted by the charismatic Sammy Rae, the musical ensemble Sammy Rae & The Friends is a force to be reckoned with. Their performances are as fun and tight as the band is. The band’s chemistry, virtuosity, and vocal prowess are all things found in their influences from classic rock, folk, funk, soul, and jazz. With […]
An absolutely stacked triple bill of talent performed at First Avenue last night, the perfect cure to the sunday scaries! We’ve got photos of all three performers below:
To know Eric Clapton, you need to know blues music. After all, that’s where slowhand himself got his start with guitar. And while he’s ventured into pop music and acoustic ballads over the last sixty years of his career, Clapton always comes back to his roots in the blues. The blues have always had it […]
Iconic musician Bruce Hornsby is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his legendary double album, “Spirit Trail,” with a special reissue, and a subsequent tour. The 25th Anniversary Edition of the album will be available online and two physical versions: a 3-CD set and a 3-LP set. This album, originally released in 1998, features twenty tracks […]
Words by Casey Carlson. Photos by Joe Lemke I don’t think there was any member in the audience that expected Pearl Jam to be seated for their first five songs. It seemed out of place for the band, whos been known for their electrifying energy and stage presence, right from their first ever shows. Even […]
Photos courtesy of Chris Phelps Summer’s most difficult concert ticket to get may have belonged to Taylor Swift, But The Killers gave her a run for her money with a surprise performance at First Avenue last night. Announced just one week prior and selling out nearly instantly, the tickets to their intimate show became priceless. […]