Music

COMMUNITY VOICES | Rock the Garden 2013 at the Walker Art Center: Tweets and photos from the day

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:00:21 +0000

Staff

TC Daily Planet

Rain or shine, this year's Rock the Garden on Saturday, June 15 made it happen in both. Here's a sampling of tweets from the event.

[If you don't see the Storify photos and comments below, please refresh your browser window.]

Rain or shine, this year's Rock the Garden on Saturday, June 15 made it happen in both. Here's a sampling of tweets from the event.

[If you don't see the Storify photos and comments below, please refresh your browser window.]

MUSIC REVIEW | Fitz and the Tantrums energize the Varsity Theater

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:28:57 +0000

Patrick Dunn

TC Daily Planet

The Los Angeles Indie Pop band Fitz and the Tantrums performed their soul-inspired jams for two back-to-back sold-out shows this week in Minneapolis. Out in support of their new album More Than Just a Dream, the high energy dance party entertained established and new fans and provided a good workout as well on Monday, June 17. Their unique sound which features horns and keyboards in place of guitar (that’s right, no guitar) has caught the attention of a diverse group of listeners.

The Lineup:
Fitz and the Tantrums are led by the vocals of Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz) and Noelle Scaggs. The rest of the talented Tantrums include James King (horns), Joseph Karnes (Bass), John Wicks (drums) and Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards and beats).

Saints of Valory is an interesting group of great players with a sound that has come out of influences from all over the world considering each member is from a different country. They played a set of music that was easy to enjoy without even needing to know the tunes.

Ivy Levan (The Dame) has a unique look and sound and put on an entertaining set of music she refers to as “swamp hop”.

The Venue:
A group of people in line before the show were discussing how they were first introduced to Fitz and the Tantrums at Basilica Block Party. They were so excited to have gotten tickets for this show at the Varsity Theater knowing it would be such a fun place to see the band. We are lucky to have Sue Mclean and Associates lining up these memorable shows in the right rooms. The stage setup for Fitz included a backdrop of light bars that provided a disco feel which helped get the crowd dancing. The room sounded right with a comfortable mix that had a good amount of punch for the beat heavy material.

The Music:
Fitz chose a fun tune off the new album “Keeping Our Eye’s Out” to start with and set the tone for their set. Some of the big songs off the first album were standouts like “Breakin’ the Chains of Love” and especially the title track; the Motown influenced “Pickin’ Up the Pieces.” A great rendition of Eurythmic’s “Sweet Dreams” fit into their style so well; it could have been mistaken for one of their own. Noelle called out, “If you think you’re sexy in this house make some noise” leading into the new single “Out of My League.” One of the signature traits of this band is the infectious tonal harmonies between Fitz and Scaggs, which really sounded flawless on “6am.” The crowd helped get “Dear Mr. President” rocking by singing along with the “Hey – Woo” intro. The hour long set ended in full swing with everyone waving their hands and dancing to “L.O.V.” while even the chandelier lights were flashing for added effect.

Encore:
Keeping the intensity at its max, the Tantrums returned to the stage and dove into their biggest hit “Money Grabber.” In addition to “The Walker,” great crowd appreciation earned an extra song to close out the 4 song 20 minute encore with “News 4 U.”

Fan Interaction:
Fitz and Noelle have boundless energy and did an exceptional job of connecting with the audience. Fitz said he was humbled to be able to play two special shows in Minneapolis and several times made sure to thank the crowd for being real people and real music fans supporting their efforts. They even made that extra effort to spend time with fans in the lobby after the show to sign autographs and take pictures.

Saints of Valory

Ivy Levan

Fits and the Tantrums

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

Ivy Levan (The Dame) has a unique look and sound and put on an entertaining set of music she refers to as “swamp hop”.

Saints of Valory

Ivy Levan

Fits and the Tantrums

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

Needtobreathe and Drew Holcomb at the Orpheum Theatre: Not for the particularly discerning

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:11:10 +0000

Dwight Hobbes

Sounding Off On Sound

Rock fans just aren't all that picky in this day and age about what they listen to. And go crazy for. Serving as a perfect example, were Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band as active as they used to be, Needtobreathe would not able to get arrested, much less fill the Orpheum Theatre as they did May 1st. The outfit's musicianship is reasonably adequate, but the songwriting is mediocre on top of which frontman and lead singer Bear Rinehart doesn't have an original bone in his body. In fact, song after song, phrase for phrase, his vocals put you in mind of someone who always wanted to grow up and sound exactly like Bob Seger. Imitation, here, isn't the sincerest form of flattery: it's the surest form of failure. Seger—albeit clearly influenced by seminal pioneer Little Richard, did it first and did it with feeling, not as anyone's echo, a note for note copycat. That is how it went, throughout the entire evening with the band doing number upon number that was to music what tracing paper is to art.

Joined by members of the opening act Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, including their backup singer Ellie Holcomb, Needtobreathe closed the show by mercilessly torturing the old Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me." They stretched the song out at a snail's pace and completely ruined it with Bear Rinehart's god-awful caterwauling that was supposed to come off as soulful feeling but sounded more like he was in serious pain from a stomach ache. Back in Seger's day you had to be able to cut it at that "Old Time Rock and Roll." Not anymore. Now, you can palm off a mere approximation and get along just fine.

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors were better, though regrettably in hit-and-miss fashion. When they played up tempo material, about a handful of numbers interspersed for a 45-minute set, they did excellent, remarkably inspired country rock. For some reason, however, on the ballads—which most of it was—they were boring. Even the good parts had an annoying drawback as Ellie Holcomb, a serviceable singer at best, kept waxing histrionic, as if she was caught up in the very throes of genuine, impassioned artistry. They really should, along with giving Ellie Holcomb a reality check, put a lot more lively cuts in the act, even if they have to resort to a few covers. Because, when Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors pick up the pace, it's like a totally different band suddenly stepped on stage. Their vocals—never mind the hokey lyrics—ring out good and clear. The guitars are nice and bright with some real interesting leads going on. And the bass and drums do a tight job holding down the pocket.

Those few moments by Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors were the show's sole saving grace. All in all, between both acts, it was not a very good night for the particularly discerning.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

Those few moments by Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors were the show's sole saving grace. All in all, between both acts, it was not a very good night for the particularly discerning.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

Advice for the new musical artist

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:55:36 +0000

Youa Vang

This blog is targeted towards the new artist, and also self-serving, because it’s dedicated to making my life easier as a music journalist.

1. Please include contact info on your website, Facebook page, Twitter, etc. Any site that you use, list your email and who to contact. I get so irritated when a band’s contact info says things like “Your mom.” How do you expect to get any press or shows if I can’t email you?

2. Include a link or allow me to listen to your music. With the over-saturation of bands with the internet, it’s hard enough to capture people’s attention. Make it easy for someone to listen to your music.

3. Answer your emails. If someone took the time to email you, a response is always nice—even if it’s just a simple email in reply. As Kevin Bowe says, “Kingdoms were built on this kind of thing.”

4. Post your shows and include details. I’ve often left shows out of my blogs due to my frustration at not being able to find out info. We get inundated with Facebook invites, but Facebook pages are a wonderful tool to have a simple listing of shows. Even if you don’t invite people via a Facebook invite, but they are effective for promotion. I cannot say how many times I get excited about a band’s music and when I go to check when their next show is, they have nothing listed. Obviously, websites are another perfect place for event listings.

5. Don’t barrage a writer asking for press. A band I knew tried to get into a widely distributed magazine by mailing and emailing the magazine once a week. Short of the postal system going down or your email being seized by the government, you can guarantee that publication got your package/email. It’s not a bad idea for a follow-up email, but constantly hounding someone will only give others a bad perception of your band.

6. Give me a place where I can buy your merch; be it if you have a ton of merch or just a piece of chewed up gum for sale, make it easy for me to spend my money. There are so many sites out there to list your products, so there’s no excuse. The other side of this: ship out your products in a timely manner; please don’t take two months to send me a CD.

7. Say what you mean and mean what you say. This business is self-serving, so there are a lot of egos involved. People like to talk to build themselves up to be bigger than they are. Integrity is a trait that many people lack. Don’t be that person that people run away from.

8. This is in conjunction with the last one: be nice. Nobody likes a pompous asshole. Humility will take you far in this business and also in life.

Photo by Matthew Oliphant (Creative Commons)

Arts Orbit

Youa Vang's Blog

MUSIC REVIEW | The sun breaks through at The Current's Rock the Garden

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:32:37 +0000

Sheila Regan

TC Daily Planet

Well, I decided to finally get my butt over to Rock the Garden this year, after having spent the last several years reading the Twitter postings about it and being envious that I was missing out on the fun. In fact, I have only been to one Rock the Garden previously, when Sonic Youth and Stereolab played in 2000, which was such a great concert that perhaps the high bar was what prevented me from going again.

I unfortunately missed out on Dan Deacon, who played first, which was by all accounts a great set, having started outside, and then when it started to rain moved into the parking garage. Kudos to the backstage crew for making that happen.

I arrived right before Low started playing. The rain had pretty much stopped, although it was still pretty gray and gloomy out. As they were just starting to play, lead singer Alan Sparhawk said, “Trying to let the sunshine in,” a nice sentiment, although it seemed pretty wishful thinking at the time.

It turns out though, that confirming my belief that Low are intermediaries with the gods (or God, since you know, they’re Mormon) their music did indeed act as a harbinger of the sun. By the time their one-song set, which lasted about 30 minutes, was over, the rain jackets and long sleeve shirts worn by audience members were coming off as the sun shone down on everyone

The song, "Do You Know How to Waltz?" was an awfully quiet and meditative piece for such a large and energetic crowd, but my feeling was that it totally worked. The long stretches of drumming and complete lack of any lyrics perhaps was less accessible to the younger audience members than the other bands were, but what’s the point of an art museum sponsoring a music concert if at least one of the bands can’t try something a little different? In any case, I personally found their set magical, even if some of the twenty-somethings were complaining about it afterward.

At the end, Sparhawk proclaimed “Drone, not Drones,” which I mistakenly heard as “Drums, not Drones,” at first (same thing, really), which was a nice button, if slightly trite.

I quite enjoyed the rest of the concert, including the Bob Mould Band, who had everybody dancing, and Brian Aubert’s salty tenor voice from the Silversun Pickups. I was less excited about poppy Metric, but once again I think I may have had the minority opinion on that one.

In general, once the rain blew over, it was a lovely night to be out, listening to music with the beautiful sky. If there was a little bit more room to walk around in the food and drink area, I would have been happier, but you can’t have everything.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

At the end, Sparhawk proclaimed “Drone, not Drones,” which I mistakenly heard as “Drums, not Drones,” at first (same thing, really), which was a nice button, if slightly trite.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

MUSIC REVIEW | Socially conscious rapper M.anifest rocks The Cedar as part of the African Summer series

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 07:30:24 +0000

henry hendricks

TC Daily Planet

At first I was wondering if M.anifest's June 15 performance was going to be cancelled as only about a dozen people were there at the beginning of the show, the second in The Cedar's African Summer series. Then the opening act, Minneapolis local, Ashley Dubose, came on stage and was so personable and sweet that it didn’t matter how many people stood around as she did a fantastic job to create a feel good atmosphere for the main act.

Ashley especially connected with the group with her song “Life Goes On." Her style is neo-soul and reminded me a bit of Nelly Furtado when she sang “Like a Bird.” It was touching to see her mom out in support of her. As she continued to sing her repertoire for the night, the crowd began to build and by the end of her set, everyone was glad to be there.

About ten minutes after Ashley left the stage, M.anifest came out, and there were applause and shouts of joy from the crowd of fans. Not knowing what to expect as the last time I listened to rap music was way back to the Sugarhill Gang, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the songs and sounds of M.anifest. The band was superb, with trumpet and trombone flashing off the lights, and excellent electric bass and guitar, drummer and keyboard rounding out the group.

M.anifest rocked the house, with his charismatic stage presence, and got the crowd in the groove with waving arms, jumping down into their midst and singing personally to a trio of kids up by the front of the stage. It became a group sing a long for a bit as the crowd sang along with him. He performed hit songs such as Makaa Maka, Chale What Dey Happen and Suffer. It was a happy crowd at the Cedar this Saturday night.

M.anifest is from Ghana, but has Twin City roots, having come here in 2001 to attend Macalester College, where he earned a degree in economics. He is known as being a socially conscious rapper, having produced the album “Birds and Bees” to make people aware of the non-profit group, Young Entrepreneurs Africa.

He has collaborated with music artists like with Damon Albarn (Gorillaz), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Erykah Badu and others.

This concert is the second in the series African Summer 2013 at the Cedar in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis music lovers will enjoy this series immensely as they hear music and styles performed in fresh new ways. I am glad I went and came away with a new appreciation for Ghana rap music.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

He has collaborated with music artists like with Damon Albarn (Gorillaz), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Erykah Badu and others.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

MUSIC PREVIEW | John C. Reilly and friends bring comfort music to the Woman's Club of Minneapolis

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:22:23 +0000

Alaina Lewis

TC Daily Planet

Oscar winning actor John C. Reilly will be touching down in Minneapolis on June 15 to perform at the Woman’s Club Assembly Theater for an intimate evening of musical entertainment. With the help of some of his friends, the artist, who goes by John Reilly when he’s with his band, will deliver a night of vintage music ranging from bluegrass to country to folk and beyond.

“We like to play timeless music. Something that the audience can all sing along to because this is just great music that almost everyone knows,” Reilly said.

Reilly, who has starred in films like Chicago, Magnolia, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, was always drawn to music. He spoke of a time when he used to sit in on jam sessions with his artist friends before he made the decision to turn his passion into something greater. That desire has not only lead him to collaborate on a few singles with music greats like Jack White but it has now lead him on a multi-city tour with his group John Reilly & Friends, which is made up of Third Man Records bandmates Tom Brosseau and Becky Stark. The Minneapolis stop is one of many on his cross-country tour.

“We’re here [Saturday night] and then we immediately get back on the road to hit the next location. It’s been a real pleasure to bring this music to so many people these past few weeks,” Reilly said.

The choice to play at the Woman’s Club Theater comes from Reilly’s desire to keep the shows intimate for audiences. He likes the idea of being close enough to connect with individuals. The band seeks out environments that yield a feeling somewhat like playing in a really big living room with friends. This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss.

See Jim Brunzell's 2010 interview with John C. Reilly about Cyrus, mumblecore, and his magnificent career.

“We like to play timeless music. Something that the audience can all sing along to because this is just great music that almost everyone knows,” Reilly said.

See Jim Brunzell's 2010 interview with John C. Reilly about Cyrus, mumblecore, and his magnificent career.

John Reilly and Friends at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis

Community Celebration of Place: As good as it gets

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Dick Bernard

Even preceding retirement 13 years ago, I wondered about how it would be out in “Elder-land”. I wrote about this recently.

Just last night, at a meeting where the age range was from (I’d guess) early 30s to mid 80s we talked about the huge dilemma these days of elder to younger communications. We communicate differently: too many new options, which many elders are not willing to adapt to. In a way, there is definitely a “canyon”. Elders and Youngers are in different worlds.

Unexpectedly, a few weeks ago, I had my eyes opened to something truly wonderful: a “bridge” between the worlds. My 92-year old friend, Lynn, asked me to accompany him to two events in Minneapolis. The first, at Sanford Middle School on May 22, was called Elder Wisdom Childrens Song “Featuring Eric Sparks’ 7th Grade Students”; the second, on May 30, was a planning session of the parent organization of the Sanford event, an organization called Community Celebration of Place directed by the organizations Executive Director and Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Larry Long. The planning session involved Elders and Youngers, visioning the coming year.

Both programs were uplifting and fascinating.

There is far too much to say to describe these programs, so I’ll just post a few brief comments, and a few photos, and you’re on your own to find out more.

Community Celebration of Place is an organization worth getting to know. The brochure available at the planning meeting, and the agenda for the morning planning session can be read here: Comm Celeb of Place001

There was a deliberate effort to integrate Elders and Youngers directly, and it was marvelous to observe.

Here’s a few photos from May 30 at the Youth and Elders Circle 2013 at the Northside YMCA in Minneapolis:

Folk artist Larry Long leads the gathering in song inspired by students at several schools participating May 30.

Kids and Elders envision future improvements at their school and community. A major part of the table talk was strictly kids. Adults were to listen!

Facilitator Anthony Galloway led discussion with participants.

Kids generated ideas for various parts of their home environment, and posted by category: school, community, etc

Work over, everyone was treated to a complimentary meal from Gandhi Mahal Restaurant in south Minneapolis.

On the ground, eight days earlier, I had seen this program in action at Sanford Middle School.

On that day, in a one hour program, Sanford 7th Grade Students honored four community Elders, Radio and performing personality Shedrick Garrett, Supt. Bernadeia Johnson, Police Officer Manny Granroos, and Community Elder and Volunteer Mohamed Salah Abdi.

In each case, the Elder spent a significant amount of time being interviewed by a 7th grade class; the interview was then translated into a story, distributed to those attending the recognition; the story was translated into a song, accompanied by interpretive acting by students in the class. It was an incredible performance and very uplifting hour for everyone. Each elder was on the stage with the kids for the entire hour.

I took many photos at this event. Here’s a single photo with the students and those being honored May 22.

Participants in Elders Wisdom Children’s Song, Sanford Middle School, Minneapolis MN, May 22, 2013

Community Celebration of Place is well worth checking out. Its ideas deserve to be experienced in many ways, everywhere.

Outside the Walls

Northern Spark 2013 in St. Paul: The best tweets and Instagram shots

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:01:46 +0000

Jay Gabler

Front Row Seat

Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

MUSIC PHOTOS | Rachael Yamagata at the Varsity Theater

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:20:40 +0000

Meredith Westin

TC Daily Planet

On June 11th, Rachael Yamagata wowed the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Sanders Bohlke opened.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.

On June 11th, Rachael Yamagata wowed the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Sanders Bohlke opened.

Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.