Saturday night (Dec 2) was an amazing celebration of and by Minnesota musicians for the Replacements Tribute night. There was music upstairs and in the Clown Louge. The Clown Lounger featured Hilary James, Ava Levy and Loki’s Folly. They should have music in the Clown Lounger more often. It was nice to have a quieter setting to really soak up a few songs. Upstairs started with a Mad Ripple Hoot for Slim Dunlap. The band features Jim Walsh, Terry Walsh, Doug Collins, Joe Baumgart and Billy Dankert. It eased the sold out crowd into the era and the mood of our youth. Then, The Melismatics hosted ..read more

Thursday night (Nov 30),  d’Lakes  filled the Green Room with joy for the release of their latest album, Heavan is a Silent Disco. In a recent interview with lead signer Drew d’Lakes, that the “album essentially takes the listener through being in the joys of meeting a life partner!” And that is the energy that filled the room. Even introducing “a sad song,” Drew couldn’t pry the smile off his face. Nor could the audience. The music is the soundtrack to the joy. There’s something futuristically retro about the sound. I hear jazz, funk, new wave – all on synthy steroids. It’s hard not ..read more

It was part 1970’s variety show and part family party at the Parkway Theater Sunday night for The International Treasures’ Big Fat Album release show. Doyle Turner and Ted Hajnasiewicz are the International Treasures, they were the heart of the night but as is their wont, they turned everyone into the stars. wp-1695043928967 The show was hosted by Ryan and Matt Rud of The Rabbit Hole; they brought in their dinner jackets and sofa. They asked performers a few questions and set the stage for a homey and fancy night. They night started with The Severin Moving Company. In fact, I think this was ..read more

I see a lot of music; I’m lucky. Some nights are such a mixed bag of genres and vibes that I have to stop and think about how great it is to live in the Twin Cities and to thank the musicians, venues, bookers, promoters, just everyone who makes wonderfully weird nights happen – especially on a Monday. wp-1693325521932 The night started at the Dakota, a classy romantic date-night set up, to see singer songwriter Sarah Morris. Sarah has a gorgeous voice. Last night I realized that her voice reminds me of Anne Murray, a voice from my childhood, friendly and comforting but also so pure. Sarah p ..read more

So excited to share two new songs by PARISHES – Fashion As Protest and Calamity Jane. PARISHES is the bluesy brainchild of Taylor Carik (also in Mpls Whiskey Rock ‘n’ Roll Club); we spoke to him in studio as soon at the station reopened after the pandemic. PARISHES started as a mostly solo project and it still is with Taylor playing or programming all the instruments, but he has picked up some awfully special guests along the way. PARISHES – Fashion As Protest Video Fashion As Protest Sally Linda (Big Salt) lends her patiently sultry voice to the Fashion As Protest. There’s a cool vibe to t ..read more

I got a chance to know The Sunny Era last week through a 5-Question interview. Their answers were as thoughtful as the music. They told me that the new album (The Sky King) is about the love we’ve all left behind. Not in a deeply sad way, but a reflective way. And yet, I was not prepared for how emotional it felt to see them live. https://mostlyminnesotadotcom.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/20230615_213729.mp4 The violin, the pedal steel, the voices poignantly singing about feelings and love but in a very Minnesotan way. It’s not heart-on-your-sleeve emotion, it’s not wailing or dramatically ..read more

St Paul says hello to summer in style with Grand Old Day, the first Sunday in June. It’s been on hiatus for the last few years but, this year back in full glory. I started my day on Snelling and Grand(nearly Macalester College) and headed East to Dale. There were six stages with music. And a few miles shops, restaurants, booths and so many people. Lots of people drinking despite the 90 degree temperatures. Tougher than I am for sure. But we saw some awesome music. In order of appearance… Langers Ball – great Irish music and ran into friends from the Dubliner. They had a good crowd but everyone ..read more

I have been an unabashed fan of Thomas Abban since I saw him perform at the Turf Club in 2017. I have interviewed him via zoom and via email. Early days, I saw a passionate fragility that over the years gave way to guarded mystique. He is a consummate showman. His show at the Dakota on Monday night was perfectly orchestrated. The band starts without Thomas – a full drum set, percussionist and a bass player. All three are wearing all black with white balaclavas. The room is dark, but their music is getting us ready. Thomas takes the take and begins by showcasing his masterful guitar skills. He ..read more

Friday night at Crooner’s Supper Club felt like remembering a time I never lived through but experienced in glimpses on variety shows of the 19070s. Legend Willie West played music and told stories with Mick Sterling for his podcast with a very Vegas vibe with tiny tables, cocktails and host on stage. 20230421_164615 Willie is one of the original Soul and Blues singers from New Orleans. He’s 81 years old and moved to Minnesota after Katrina. (I learned a little bit about Willie earlier this week with a 5 Question Interview.) He has played with the likes of Otis Redding, James Brown, Aaron N ..read more

The Scarlet Goodbye has been dubbed the most unusual pairing in music. But it turns out it’s a winning combination with Dan Murphy, founding member of hard rocking Soul Asylum and Golden Smog and Jeff Arundel, a more mellow, story-telling musician. And they just keep getting better. It’s been more than a year since their inaugural concert. Their album is out as well as their latest video (below). Last night at the Icehouse, they proved again that sometimes we all need an unusual pairing. What impressed me last night was the rock ‘n roll take on some grownup themes – from aging parents to ..read more