Circles Around The Sun Draws Fans to Turf Club on Snowy Night

Last updated on April 20th, 2024 at 08:40 am

As the weekend came to an end and the snow continued to fall, concertgoers trudged through the back alleys behind the Turf Club in anticipation of catching Circles Around The Sun. As I walked down the alley adjacent to the venue, I began to accumulate flakes of snow. However, I could hear the bass line reverberating through the venue walls.

Quickening my pace, I soon made it inside to find the room already full. I was quickly met by a happy crowd of people, who spent the rest of the night with me in dance, song, and camaraderie.

Mikaela Davis and band had taken the stage before my arrival. Despite my unfamiliarity with this artist, I could not have expected anything better. Davis’s work on the pedal harp somehow fit perfectly with her supporting groove rock ensemble, and her ethereal vocals gave pleasant relief from the well-orchestrated jams and endless flow of grooves.

Following her set, I walked around the venue a bit and admired First Ave’s job of preserving the Saint Paul landmark. With two full bars and food service, it was a perfect place for Twin Cities jam patrons to spend their time on a snowy Sunday night.

Circles Around The Sun made their way on stage around 10pm to an eager crowd. The two-hour performance had to be one of the grooviest sets that I have personally ever heard. I kept thinking that if Khruangbin and the Grateful Dead had a baby, this would be it.

After I put my camera away for the night, I spent the rest of it dancing. The band made that easy with a groove-heavy set, as much psychedelic influence as one could ask for, and strutting and soaring guitar solos.

Near the end of their set, the band invited Davis back on stage. She lugged her harp back up the stairs, and they managed to find room on stage for her. By the end of the night, her whole band had returned to the stage as well.

They managed to fit about 10 people on stage, which is not an easy feat at the Turf Club. More psychedelia followed.

I hope to see Circles Around The Sun again as soon as possible, and very happy I learned of Mikaela Davis. These two bands produced an insane amount of value for the $25 ticket price.