Local singer/songwriter Jeremy Messersmith had a rocking finish to his four nights at Icehouse, which also wrapped up his recent tour. The sold-out show was an intimate and laid-back affair, but still high-energy which produced a visible positive and interactive response from the audience.
The Minnesapolis based artist played a repertoire of songs from his past albums, including his tops hits “Lazy Bones,” “Violet!” “Ghosts” and “It’s Only Dancing,” among many other fan favorites. Sounding as good, if not better than the recorded versions, Messersmith and his band serenaded and shook an eager audience.
Messersmith was extremely present and in the moment on stage. His easy going and lighthearted demeanor set the tone for the evening to be a wildly enjoyable night. He often acknowledged the audience and joked around with them, even telling a tale or two about him and his beloved cat. The Icehouse, a popular restaurant and music venue uptown Minneapolis, has an inviting and modern rustic atmosphere which perfectly complimented Messersmith and his indie/folk rock vibe.
Jemery Messersmith recently released a free digital-only songbook titled 11 Obscenely Optimistic Songs For Ukulele, complied of short, catchy, whimsical tunes sung by just Messersmith and a ukulele. He later released audio for the songs, saying he “wanted people to experience the songs with their own voices first.”
Despite the songs’ simplicity, it’s Messersmith’s clever lyrics and tender and controlled voice that brings his ukulele jams to life. Although the songbook has received a lot of positive attention and popularity, Messersmith did not perform any Obscenely Optimistic songs at Icehouse, but rather stuck to a set list of his more complex and lo-fi indie rock songs.
Opening for Jeremy Messersmith was two other local groups. First on stage was 4th Curtis, an all trans, alternative rock/indie pop band. This scrappy and edgy group had a fun, friendly, and youthful stage presence. They rocked the audience to songs that openly showed their dedication and passion for music and identity. Next up was Sarah White, who sang conscious songs about the spirit, the heart, sex, and how the three intertwine. She had a soft, soulful sound but still exhibited strong vocal talent.
In his encore, Messersmith’s play two unrecorded solo songs on the acoustic guitar, to the utter delight of the crowd. Messersmith also let slip to the audience that he has a new album underway for the spring, although the project is still being kept under wraps.
Set list:
- Dillinger’s Eyes
- Monday You’re Not So Bad
- Organ Donor
- Happy
- Jim Bakker
- Tourniquet
- It’s Only Dancing
- Lazy Bones
- Knots
- Ghost
- Hitman
- Violet!
- I Don’t Know How To Love Ya
Encore: solo songs
