MUSIC REVIEW | Erik Koskinen at the Icehouse

By |

My 9-year old was just complaining because Real Phonic Radio is taking a break for the summer. Real Phonic is the monthly music show at the James J Hill Library. Aine and I are big fans. It was cold comfort to her that I was going to the Icehouse Wednesday night to see the Real Phonic house band Erik Koskinen. But at least I got my fix. Erik Koskinen began his monthly stints at the Icehouse in March. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | A hair-free Gabriel Douglas from 4onthefloor unveiled at Bayside Grill

By |

Saturday night at the Cabooze Gabriel Douglas fronted the 4onthefloor. They were loud and rocking and disheveled, to put it lightly. There were two new members on the lineup since I had last seen them play, leaving Douglas the only original member. The groove was different but the place was packed, partially because the show was moved indoors after the Cabooze patio was rained out. It was hot and sweaty with tons of people drinking, dancing and singing (or shouting) along. Continue Reading

Russell Simmons: Rappers are sexist and racist – but not as bad as their parents

By |

Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recording and Baby Phat (among many other cultural icons), with shows on Broadway and HBO, was featured at the Minnesota Public Radio’s Top Coast Festival last weekend. He was there to talk about slowing down and why success is found in stillness. He ended up talking about much more; some impressed me and some did not.Simmons  was interviewed by Dessa, a local rapper, singer, and essayist, who is also an astute interviewer. “Yes, rappers are sexist,” Simmons admitted, “but not as sexist as their parents or their preachers. They are racist, but not as racist as their parents or preachers. They are homophobic, but not as homophobic as their parents or preachers.” (I paraphrase, but I’m very close to his actual words.) Simmons is rightly proud of the work he does to raise a multicultural voice and multicultural image. Continue Reading

Grand Old Day 2014: Rain keeps it quiet

By |

Rain or shine, St Paul has been enjoying Grand Old Day on the first Sunday in June for 41 years. While the big storm held off, 2014 certainly qualifies as a rainy year. The crowd seemed thinner this year, but cooler weather and lighter crowds made it easier to move around and see what was happening.The big day starts with a parade that heads west from Dale at 9:30 am and the fun continues until 6:00 pm. Five main stages feature a lineup of popular local acts such as Chastity Brown, Charlie Parr, White Iron Band, Black Diet and Central High School graduates Heiruspecs. The only bummer for music loving families is that you can’t get near the bands without a bracelet for 21+. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Frankie Lee at the Longfellow Grill: Spend the summer with beer and local bands

By |

Here’s a really good idea – celebrate the long-awaited Minnesota summer with afternoons of beer tasting and bands on patios. We have a good start going: The Current and Schell’s have partnered up to create a special beer. To debut that beer, the Current planned three afternoons with good beer and good music at local bars and restaurants.Last week the Cactus Blossoms played at the Amsterdam. (I was sorry to miss that!) Next week on June 4, 4onthefloor will be playing at the Bayside Grill in Excelsior. On Wednesday, Frankie Lee played at the Longfellow Grill. Continue Reading

Twin Cities street art: Statues of Summit Avenue

By |

Street art can take lots of forms. Mostly I’m interested in murals and graffiti but for years I’ve walked up and down Summit Avenue in St. Paul thinking someone should take a picture of all of these statues. The art of Summit Avenue is there to stay, which makes is a different breed from the more fragile street art forms. Sometimes it represents an investment in art that was made generations ago; sometimes it’s a more current investment that I’m sure will be around for generations to come. It’s personal expression for the well-heeled. The tone and topic are for the most part different. Continue Reading