“I started playing songs on street corners, which I guess makes me a folk musician” Charley said between songs, gently strumming his guitar “But now people call me country, and Im okay with that.” Country is an apt label for Charley’s music, whose songs have roots in classic country and western, while still fitting in […]

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Sophie Allison, who performs as Soccer Mommy, brought her Touring, Forever tour to Minneapolis last night, only their second show of the tour thus far. A few days before, she posted on instagram letting fans know that “Costumes are encouraged” during her show, making it a special halloween-themed show for fans, while turning the band […]

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Muna is like a Black Mirror episode of bubblegum pop music. Their songs sound like you definitely heard them on your lite-fm station dedicated to hits from the 90’s 00’s and Today! But vague enough that you can’t quite put your finger on what or when you remember hearing it from. If you didn’t have […]

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Perhaps there’s no better acknowledgment that your set is going well – or that you’ve gained a new fan – than having a random audience member belt out at the top of their lungs:  “You guys fucking ROCK!”  The smile from singer Jordana Nye’s face said it all as she tuned her guitar. Earlier in […]

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It hasnt been long since Japanese Breakfast was in town last. Their previous show here was just over six months ago. Since then, the band fronted by Michelle Zauner has nabbed a handful of grammy nominations, and has gone on to perform on SNL, Coachella, and a string of shows throughout North America. Tonight they […]

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In 2022, the word “vibes” has become a beaten to death buzzword that will be used to loosely define whatever feeling you can associate it with. From a writers perspective, summing something up as a vibe seems lazy and, at the same time, somewhat humorous. Perhaps that’s why it’s the only word I could find […]

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“We’re glad you remembered us” Said Dawes Frontman Taylor Goldsmith halfway through the set. “We’ve all waited a long time to be here.” Dawes’s first performance in the legendary venue since 2013 drew a sold out show, and new sing-alongs. Words and Photos by Casey Carlson Many bands have released records in 2020, and without […]

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Sloan Struble, who makes music as Dayglow, was all smiles last night performing at First Avenue. He had every reason to be, selling out the venue for the first time to a crowd who was just as excited to see him as he was to perform.  “I was told to be very cautious not to […]

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Photographs by Alexander Just Written by Casey Carlson   Lydia Liza was standing at the back of the audience she had just performed in front of, fans who noticed her stopped, hugged, and thanked her for her music, before wandering back into the crowd as Jake Bugg began his set. “It’s not really that exhausting” […]

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Sam France owning the room at First Avenue with his eccentric entertainment leaves it all out on the stage. His performance isn’t anything I’d expected; familiar with their music and seeing them for the first time – it all fits. Their raw Stones sounds flow together quite nicely for a show worth your ticket. Costume […]

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Releasing his latest album to vinyl Thursday, Stef stops by First Avenue Friday to a sold out main room, says fuck you with a smile, and rolls out – but not before putting on a killer show. It doesn’t get old seeing P.O.S live with his almost sarcastic this-is-amazing-I-can’t-believe-I-get-to-do-this style on stage. Stef brings you […]

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Cold War Kids hit First Ave on 3/15/2017 playing a mix of some old favorites and some new songs like Love is Mystical off their upcoming album L.A. Divine. The band, including lead vocalist/guitarist Nathan Willett, leaves it all on stage. You could hear that Willett was losing his voice – but that didn’t stop him from giving it […]

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PHANTOGRAM came to the Twin Cities selling out and wrapping up the opening weekend to Palace Theatre. If the fresh snow on the ground confused you about what season it was, maybe the in your face lyrics delivered by Barthel set you straight. The duo owned the stage and entire venue bringing in their own […]

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Among the other heavy hitters opening the rebirth of historic Palace Theater in Downtown Saint Paul is PHANTOGRAM touring their 2016 debut album THREE. Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter hit the stage after opening act The Veldt …and maybe more? Big Grams anyone? This will be the duo’s second time in the Twin Cities with […]

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Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears from Austin, TX, hit First Avenue Monday night, promoting their new album Backlash. These guys have so much good energy and put on an awesome show. Their soulful, bluesy, funky sound is the kind you can’t help but dance to. After a demand for an encore, they showered the crowd with a […]

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PROF throws a party and brings all his friends – a collection of photos the chaos this dude creates. It doesn’t stop when he’s on stage; the crowd is turned up to 11 the entire time. GAMPO and crew came off a road tour left for broke and let it all out in the Mainroom. […]

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AFI, on ‘The Blood Tour”, hit the stage at First Avenue last night, along with opening acts, Chain Gang of 1974, and Souvenirs. California based band, Souvenirs, featuring bandmates Nolan, Riley, Tim and Vince also opened with their mellow sounds. Opening for AFI, Kamtin Mohager brought his retro sound to the stage as Chain Gang of 1974. It’s […]

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Lany’s Paul Jason, Leslie Priest and Jake Goss recently arrived on First Avenue’s stage to a cheering crowd; eager to hear their fresh r&b infused pop songs live. Great friends, good times, and a love of music created Lany (they span NY to LA). Their sound shows in ILYSB (I Love You So Bad), and […]

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Written and Photographed by Casey Carlson If you were one of the first few concert goers to escape the rain and enter First Avenue this past Wednesday, it wouldn’t have been hard for you to spot Courtney Barnett playing Ms Pacman off to the side of the steadily growing crowd. Courtney, along with a few band […]

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Shakey Graves played a killer set at First Avenue the other night (11/04/2015). After seeing and photographing him live at Festival Palomino just over a month ago I knew this was a show I couldn’t miss. This dude is very talented. If his guitar playing wasn’t intricate enough on it’s own, combine that with his […]

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Of Montreal and Deerhoof arrived at Minneapolis’ First Avenue last night to a packed venue full of eager concert-goers. There was a certain electricity in the air as the theatrical performance of Of Montreal captivated the crowd. No doubt there was lots of chatter about both bands’ performances between sets and after the show, as Deerhoof’s unique energy […]

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12 Rods – 10 year comeback If you ask friends if they’ve heard of 12 Rods, the usual answer is no. A good reason is their next gig, Friday at First Avenue, has taken 10 years to arrive. It’s fitting as their farewell show was also at First Ave, in 2004. What prompted the show […]

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