Concert Review

Blondshell played to a sold-out audience Wednesday night at the Fine Line, and it was the kind of show that reminded me why I still drag my 40-something-year-old body out on a weekday to see live music. The bare-bones, intimate space was the perfect setup for a performer who makes music that feels personal. Meg […] More

There’s nothing quite like a sold-out show. The energy, the buzz, and the palpable yet indescribable vibe of sold-out shows make for a recipe ripe for memorable experiences. On Friday night, three fantastic local singer-songwriters gave the Twin Cities that and more at First Avenue. Opening Friday night’s show was Ava Levy. Levy’s recorded output […] More

The concept seemed almost too ambitious to pull off successfully: three distinctive bands weaving their performances together in celebration of one man’s milestone birthday.  Yet Sunday night’s nearly three-hour Sessanta V2.0 performance at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center proved that with the right pieces on the chessboard, ambition coupled with genuine artistic collaboration can result […] More

Fans got their money’s worth on Wednesday night at Target Center when four bands rocked one stage for the Awaken the Fallen Tour. Co-headliners Breaking Benjamin and Staind rolled into Minneapolis with two supporting acts, and while I felt this stop on the North American tour had plenty of highs, there were unfortunately a couple […] More

Helmet descended upon Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater on March 10 for an electric celebration of the 30th anniversary of Betty, one of the most influential alternative metal albums of the 1990s.  Founded by guitarist/vocalist Page Hamilton in 1989 in New York City, the band quickly became a driving force in the alternative metal and post-hardcore scenes. […] More

American singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson has released music for over 30 years. He gained mainstream recognition with his 2007 album, Some Mad Hope, which featured the hit single “Come On Get Higher.” His newest album release, King of (Un)Simple, carries forth his storytelling strengths and ability to connect a feeling to melody. In the first of […] More

Drew & Ellie Holcomb brought their Memory Bank tour to the historic Fitzgerald Theater Sunday evening, delivering a night of music filled with warmth, wholesome family values, and heartfelt connections. The duo, known for their nutrient-filled songwriting and engaging stage presence, crafted an evening that felt as much like a family gathering as it did […] More

Boasting one of the more influential catalogs of their era of funk (specifically the early 70’s), Cymande has long been a collector’s favorite. Last Wednesday night, the group returned to Minnesota for a concert celebrating Renascence, their first album in 51 (!) years. The record is a solid effort that sees Cymande updating their sound […] More