MUSIC PHOTOS | Selena Gomez backs her star power at Target Center

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It was “kids bring your mom to concert night” as the Stars Dance Tour 2013 made a November 21st stop at Target Center in Minneapolis. The multi-talented Selena Gomez can flip back and forth at will between television and music and is proving to be unstoppable on both fronts. She did not disappoint her young fans in the Twin Cities building excitement with a frenzied Mall of America store appearance before the main concert event at Target Center. Her show is filled with high energy fun and as the tour name suggests, is built around choreographed dance routines. She performs the same set each night, starting out with “Bang Bang Bang” and covering her hits and some material from the much anticipated new album.The perfect addition to a show geared toward a crowd of screaming young girls is the latest boy band on the scene Emblem3. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Amos Lee shines at the State Theatre

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If you’re a fan of a great singing voice and quality songwriting influenced by folk, bluegrass and soul music, then you are no doubt familiar with the work of Amos Lee. He is a big talent who has built a respectable fan base nationally one gig at a time and seems to really enjoy playing to his strong following here in the Twin Cities. Lee’s November 6th stop at the State Theatre was the second night of his “Mountain of Sorrow, Rivers of Song” tour in support of his fifth studio album of the same name.It was obvious the band is excited to play the new material considering the show started out with “Johnson Blvd,.” a downbeat reflective tune followed by the attention grabbing opening vocal on “Stranger,” which drones like a train whistle. One of the best new songs “Chill in the Air” sounded rich with a blend of tones from a lap steel, banjo and Hammond organ creating a solid foundation for a tight three-piece vocal harmony. Lee has wisely surrounded himself with a cast of uber-talented players that perfectly compliment his soulful vocal styling and eclectic music preferences.Amos spoke to the audience like an old friend reminiscing on an early career performance at Bunkers followed by other memorable metro area shows at the Zoo and Basilica Block Party. Continue Reading

MUSIC PHOTOS | A Day to Remember’s House Party Tour at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium

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It’s not common practice for parent to allow their kids to attend a house party, much less on a school night. The rules were out the window October 1st at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium as young music fanatics flocked to the House Party Tour presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. Headliner A Day to Remember had fun with the tour’s theme as their stage setup resembled a real house with a working garage door that they emerged from to begin their set. This music genre has great fans that create great energy, which is pretty impressive considering the music doesn’t really have a home on radio in the Twin Cities. The show definitely had the vibe of a mini Warped Tour, with three additional significant bands rounding out the bill: All Time Low, Pierce the Veil and The Wonder Years. Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

PHOTOS | 2013 Ivey Awards Red Carpet

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The flourishing Twin Cities theater community made their presence known as they arrived in style on the red carpet outside the Historic State Theater Monday, September 23rd for the Ivey Awards. This annual event is a celebration of the accomplishments throughout the year within the community that deserve recognition. In addition to the awards, there is plenty to take in including skits, music and comedy making for a first rate evening of entertainment.Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

MUSIC PHOTOS | Eagles at the Target Center

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Nostalgic fans packed the Target Center September 18th to relive life long memories attached to the greatest hits of the Eagles. Although Don Felder is no longer in the band, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit welcomed early member Bernie Leadon to fill out their famous harmony. Although this show is no cheap ticket, the band delivered on great sound and produced plenty of content in the 3 hour event.Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

MUSIC REVIEW | Blake Shelton drinks to country fans at the Xcel Energy Center

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Blake Shelton couldn’t have picked a more fitting first song to describe the attitude of his “Ten Times Crazier” tour to the at-capacity crowd at the Xcel Energy Center Thursday (9/12) – “All About Tonight.” The audience responded back with an enthusiasm that confirmed they came to party and it was game on. Shelton said he dragged his ass to Minnesota to do two things, sing country music (followed by a long pause), and drink. Fans clearly approved of his mission as they sang along to “The More I Drink.”It felt like a greatest hits show with popular songs like “Kiss My Country Ass” and “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” played early in the set. After trying out some new material, Shelton toyed with fans about whether he should play some of the old songs. He poked fun his look back in those early days of his career and put on his signature white cowboy hat with a fake mullet sticking out the back. Continue Reading

MUSIC PHOTOS | Michael Bublé at the Xcel Energy Center

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Date night was in full effect Wednesday night, September 11th as Michael Bublé crooned his way into the hearts of Minnesota fans at the Xcel Energy Center. Streams of fire shot up from the stage setting up the opening number “Fever” as the curtain opened just enough to reveal Buble lit by a single mood setting spotlight. Match Bublé’s smooth vocal up with a talented 13-piece band and a giant video screen fans knew they were in for a first class night of entertainment.With a show built around good singing, vocal beatbox group Naturally 7 was a perfect fit as the supporting act.Coverage of issues and events that affect Central Corridor neighborhoods and communities is funded in part by a grant from Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. 
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