MUSIC REVIEW | 20-minute perfect set with Perfect Pussy at the 7th Street Entry

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Usually I understand that some people don’t like punk music or noise – but then sometimes I see a band, such as Perfect Pussy, that makes me wonder just what’s wrong with some people. Perfect Pussy played to a pretty full house at 7th Street Entry on Sunday, March 30. They are a noise-punk band out of Syracuse NY. Band members include lead singer Meredith Graves, Ray McAndrew on guitar, Garrett Koloski on drums, Greg Ambler on bass and Shaun Sutkus keyboard – well kinda keyboard.Live the band isn’t as noise oriented as they sound recorded—at least they weren’t until the last song. Live, they’re pretty hard core punk. Continue Reading

Will your community be served with Minnesota state funding bill for broadband?

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The Minnesota Legislature has been looking at a bill for $100 million for broadband development. Yesterday I attended the most recent meeting on the issue in the House (Ways & Means meeting – the bill has been rolled into HF 2976 and we just heard the first engrossment). On the very high level – the House is suggesting $25 million (not the original $100 million) for broadband development to be doled out as grants through a process managed by the Office of Broadband Development. They are also suggesting $450,000 for mapping and research and $250,000 for general funding for the Office of Broadband Development. Continue Reading

TEDxMahtomedi: What’s Next? Bread and water?

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From the return of 14th century communal bread ovens (good for pizza, too) to thoughtful tooth-brushing and 3D printers, TEDxMahtomedi asked “What’s next?”  Would you pay for the privilege of thinking along with a dozen creative minds? A sold-out audience did just that on March 22. The talks will eventually be posted on the  TEDxMahtomedi website, where anyone can watch without charge.There was a wide range of topics covered but each seemed to get back to the idea of What’s Next?, which offered a chance for each speaker to offer suggestions on how attendees might implement these good ideas. I’ve been to several TED and TEDx events in the past,  they don’t all have that spin of implementation. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Loud at the Library with the Cactus Blossoms

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I feel like I may be becoming an expert on library concerts. I always enjoy the monthly Real Phonic Radio at the James J Hill Reference Library and Thursday night I enjoyed my first Loud at the Library concert with the Cactus Blossoms at the Hill Library.Loud at the Library is a fundraiser for the Friends of the St Paul Library. The evening included a music trivia, a cash bar and a band. It’s funny what a different feel the Loud at the Library concert has compared to the Real Phonic Radio; both events are fun. Real Phonic Radio is produced by musicians. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Band of Heathens at the Turf Club: Rock and country, blues and gospel Texas style

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Saturday night I went to the Turf Club expecting to see Communist Daughter. Much as I like Communist Daughter I was delighted to get there and see that the Band of Heathens was playing. (Johnny and Molly from Communist Daughter played before them.) Luckily I happened to sit next to a huge Band of Heathens fan who filled me in on their backstory. They’re from Austin Texas, they have played for about 10 years and they have a huge following; they concentrate on live shows. As my new friend suggested – if you like rock and country, blues and gospel Texas style, you’ll love them. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Real Phonic Radio: Honey Honey and Brandon Sampson

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I heard three kinds of country at Real Phonic Radio this month: steamy, wholesome and bluesy – in that order. The night capped off with some bluesy country with Honey Honey. Not all of their music was bluesy but it’s what distinguished it from the other bands tonight. Honey Honey is a band out of Nashville featuring Suzanne Santo (vocals/banjo/violin) and Ben Jaffe (vocals/guitar). They’re young and personable on stage. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Howler at Electric Fetus: Still punk, but slower punk

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For just a few minutes on Wednesday, March 19 I was transported to 1986 in St Paul’s Northern Lights record store basement listening to Husker Du or Rifle Sport. In reality I was in the Electric Fetus listening to an in-store performance by Howler. There wasn’t any slam dancing, it doesn’t feel like a basement but the music sure could have passed.Howler played songs from their new CD, World of Joy (released March 25) and as warm up to their show Thursday night at the Triple Rock. Their latest material still has that familiar garage punk sound reminiscent of the Twin Cities 80s scene, but the songs are slower paced than their earlier work. I’m hard pressed to say a band with members so young has mellowed, but I think they have – in music and temperament.I heard a sneak preview of some of the songs at The Current’s Birthday Party in January but for the most the music was new to me. Don’t Wanna is the song that’s getting airplay right now. Continue Reading

Remote mourning: Webcams bring the church to your living room

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I found a new, sad but useful, use for broadband this week. Webcams in churches. I am in Ireland for a funeral. The funeral came up pretty suddenly – our “Irish Grandma” died after a brief illness. She has sons all over the world: Australia, London, New York, Florida and Minnesota. They were all able to be here but plenty of grandkids and other family members weren’t. Fortunately, the church was online. They maintain a webcam in the church at all times. So they whole funeral was livestreamed and is apparently archived. Continue Reading