Life is Music™

Together for their first shows since the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis last year, The Jayhawks reunited for a long awaited trio of concerts at First Avenue.  The band warmed up for these concerts with an in-store performance at the Electric Fetus record store and a live taping on 89.3 The Current.  After that it was three shows at the infamous First Avenue.

I attended nights one and two.  With the sold out “Rock the Garden” concert keeping the younger crowd busy just across town, the capacity crowd on this Saturday was predominantly middle aged and brimming with energy.  The Brooklyn based duo, KaiserCartel, opened before The Jayhawks finally took stage.  At that time I looked throughout the crowd and saw nothing but smiles.  The band opened with the hit “Wichita” from their classic 1992 record Hollywood Town Hall.  From their they worked through songs from every era of the band before ending the show with a five song encore.

The Jayhawks

Gary Louris

Gary Louris & Mark Olson

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Wichita
Pray For Me
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Nevada Ca.
Falling Star
Two Angels
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People in This Place on Every Side

Encore:
Waiting For The Sun
Ann Jane
Will I Be Married
Over My Shoulder
Last Cigarette

Sunday night the crowd was more mixed with younger people but the smiles didn’t change.  Once again First Avenue was electric with anticipation for the legendary hometown band.  After local band Strange Lights got things going with a moody rock set, The Jayhawks took the stage with ease and all smiles.  They opened the night with the song “People in This Place on Every Side” from their recently released The Bunkhouse Album.  Once again they worked in their hits including another beautiful version of “Blue”.  That song has never sounded better and will never get old.  They ended the night with a four song encore including an absolute goose-bump inducing “Tampa to Tulsa”.

Each night I witnessed professional musicians at their finest.  The Jayhawks were smooth, playing as though they had never taken a break.  The band didn’t hesitate to call out friends in the crowd making each night feel intimate and fun.  The Jayhawks are an amazing band.  Lets hope that they continue playing together.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris

Gary Louris

Marc Perlman

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Sunday, June 20th, 2010

People in This Place on Every Side
Up Above My Head
Red’s Song
Real Light
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow the Green Grass
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Clouds Settled Down Like Rain
Someone Will
See Him on the Streets
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams GuitarLights
Bad Time
Wichita

Encore:
Ain’t No End
Sister Cry
Tampa To Tulsa
Will I Be Married

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Monday, June 21th, 2010
Wichita
Over My Shoulder
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Martin’s Song
Take Me With You When You Go
She’s Not Alone Anymore
Blue
I’d Run Away
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People In This Place On Every Side

Encore:
Tampa To Tulsa
Waiting For The Sun
Will I Be Married
Almost Saturday Night* [John Fogerty]

Brendan Bayliss shines

“I’m just being a representative of the Midwest.”

Brendan Bayliss sings that lyric in the Umphrey’s McGee’s tune, “Slacker”. Yet when it comes to playing shows in the Midwest, Umphrey’s McGee has never slacked. Instead they continuously bring multi-day runs to the heart of their fan base and the fans show up big, oftentimes from all parts of the country. In their fourth year at the best rock club in the Midwest, the prog-rocking powerhouse brought it larger than ever with the inclusion of their newly innovative and wonderfully orchestrated Stew Art series (S2).

In the Stew Art series (named after “Jimmy Stewart” which is what the band calls their improvisational jams), a very limited amount of fans not only get to direct the music the band plays, but there is a question & answer and meet & greet session. I was fortunate to have taken part in this and it was a fantastic experience that I’ll never forget.

On Friday, March 12th, a capacity crowd welcomed the Chicago band with high spirits as Umphrey’s McGee returned to Minneapolis for night one of their three night run at First Avenue. The first set was a good primer for things to come. The second set rocked. And their were still two days left.

Friday, March 15th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  Spires, “Jimmy Stewart” > Linear > Mulche’s Odyssey, Much Obliged > Hajimemashite > Glory > Hajimemashite, Hurt Bird Bath

Set II:  Professor Wormbog > Booth Love*, Cemetery Walk II > Making Flippy Floppy**, Gulf Stream > Miss Tinkle’s Overture > Masoka Tango > Miss Tinkle’s Overture
Encore:
Got Your Milk (Right Here), Waiting Room

Notes:
* with Get Up, Stand Up jam
** with Can’t You Hear Me Knocking jam

Brendan Bayliss

Umphrey's McGee

Ryan Stasik

Umphrey's Mcgee

Saturday afternoon I was one of fifty people to take part in the Minneapolis edition of the Stew Art series (S2) which the band started last fall in select cities. When we entered First Avenue, the shadowy club was dimly lit and a large projector screen stood upon stands on the main floor. Pizza and refreshments were provided and half an hour later things got started.

The idea behind Stew Art is to give the fans ultimate control over what the band plays. Fans text message ideas to the sound guru, Kevin Browning, who then displays them on the screen for the band to read. The band makes up the music on the spot and plays a few minutes before molding directly into the next idea which is highlighted. Entering (S2), I was a bit skeptical about this process, but Umphrey’s McGee quickly put those thoughts to rest. The precision of how they play while directing each other is nothing short of amazing. The band’s Midwestern humor has always been evident to me, and on this day hilarity oftentimes ensued from the ideas the fans sent in. Imagine for a moment the band playing as Revenge of the Nerds, or guitarist Jake Cinninger making up words to “Divisions” as he sang like Johnny Cash. That’s how things ended, and when it was over, it took a long while before I could wipe the smile off my face.

After a little over an hour of music, the band then stepped onto the floor to talk and sign autographs. It was a nice experience to talk to the band and their crew. Guitarist, Jake Cinninger, summed up the musical energy the band brings to every show. With a goofy smile on his face he illustrated to me how moments of their live shows peak, “It goes to you, it goes to me, it goes to you, it goes to me, it goes to you, it goes to me…..” The band’s openness and sincere appreciation of their fans is something to be admired.

Stew Art (S2)

Stew Art (S2)

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #1

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #2

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #3

Those who attended the Stew Art got to stay in the venue for the night’s show. Doors opened at 6PM and the venue was quick to fill. The band sounded well rested and they brought great energy straight from the start. The first set rocked.   The second set opened with the title track to their spectacular 2009 release, Mantis. The song was huge and from there I knew the second set was going to get heavy.  The band worked into a jazzed up version of “Wappy Spayberry” with the help of Minneapolis  saxophonist, Kevin Sinclair.  “Fussy Dutchman” was excellent before a dark and nasty “Ocean Billy” into “Plunger” mash. This was the best show I witnessed all weekend, and one of my favorite Umphrey’s McGee shows ever.

Saturday, March 13th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  Prowler > In the Kitchen, Cemetery Walk > Pay the Snucka (parts I & II) > Atmosfarag > Resolution* > In the Kitchen , That’s All > Pay the Snucka (part III)

Set II:  Preamble > Mantis > Wappy Sprayberry^ > Mantis, The Fussy Dutchman, Push the Pig, Steppin’ Razor > Ocean Billy > Plunger > Kula > Plunger > Ocean Billy
Encore:
Alex’s House^, 1348

Notes:
* with Norwegian Wood jam and Rock Your Body (Justin Timberlake) teases
^ with Kevin Sinclair on sax

Brendan Bayliss as yoda

Jake Cinninger

Kris Myers

Joel Cummins

Jake Cinninger shreads

Umphrey's McGee

Sunday, March 14th was the finale of their recent American tour. Minneapolis’ own, Heatbox, opened the show with some funk driven hip-hop. Heatbox is a one-man band minus the tangible instruments. He plays beats and instrumentations with his voice and samples them over before adding lyrics. Umphrey’s McGee joined in for his last tune, and worked straight into “Jazz Odyssey” to start their show as he picked up his gear and left the stage. That’s not a show introduction one often sees.

First Avenue was maybe over two-thirds full leaving ample space to move. This was appreciative on a Sunday night as the band once again rocked for the hard cores. Last year I made some friends at the First Avenue shows. We labeled ourselves the “Circle of Trust” and on this night we returned to the same balcony rail that we met at a year before.

Set one was fun, but set two was powerful. The “Nothing Too Fancy” and “Andy’s Last Beer” mashes got things moving and the wicked “Wizard Burial Ground” encore tore the place down.  This was another terrific show and a great way to end the weekend.

Sunday, March 14th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  #Jazz Odyssey > Hangover > Wife Soup > The Triple Wide*, Slacker > Dear Lord > Slacker, Rocker (part II) > YYZ > Hangover

Set II:  Nothing Too Fancy > Higgins > Get In the Van > Nothing Too Fancy, Andy’s Last Beer > Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty > Andy’s Last Beer, JaJunk > London Calling > JaJunk
Encore:
Wizard Burial Ground> Made to Measure > Wizard Burial Ground

Notes:
Heatbox opened
# during his closing jam, Heatbox was replaced by Umphrey’s before seguing into Hangover
* with Rhiannon teases

If Umphrey’s McGee can top this weekend in their next Minneapolis run, I’d be a little surprised. But then again nothing this band does should be surprising. After all, it was Sunday night when singer Brendan Bayliss also sang in “Slacker”, “In the end I must confess, you have yet to even witness our best.”

Jake Cinninger

Ryan Stasik

Jake Cinninger

Brendan Bayliss

Brendan Bayliss

Saturday Set Break

Trampled by Turtles rock to a sell out crowd of faithful fans

It’s been just under a year since Trampled by Turtles last filled First Avenue to capacity.  After a recent stint on the east coast and a Halloween show in their hometown of Duluth, MN,  the Minnesota boys were back at the best rock club in the midwest and their fans were ready.  First Avenue sold out once again.

Charlie Parr

A guitarist and drummer from Duluth called The Boomchucks opened the show.  They were very appreciative to be onstage at First Avenue and played a nice and short set to get the night started. 

By the time humble and brilliant Northwoods folkster, Charlie Parr, took the stage, First Avenue was filled.  No time was wasted on stirring the crowd as he thumped his boot down on a homemade kick box and squealed across the strings of his trademark steel resonator guitar. The lively and youthful crowd bounced along with a roar and they didn’t ease until Trampled by Turtles walked off the stage some three hours later.  Charlie Parr was accompanied by Mikkel Beckmen from The Brass Kings on washboard. Dave Simonett, the singer and guitarist of Trampled by Turtles, later joined the two.  For Parr’s final song, the remaining members of Trampled by Turtles took their respective places on stage to create a smile-inducing jamboree. 

Soon after, the curtain was raised for Trampled by Turtles.  Never to be underestimated, the band brought in their sold out show with a wonderful version of “No Surprises” by Radiohead.  They then rocked through songs from each of their four albums as First Avenue heated up into a sweltery sauna.  It was so hot that security sprayed water into the crowd at times.  Simonett did his best to cool things down as he calmly sang the cold and slow moving lyrics of “Duluth”, the title track of their fourth album.  The fans who made the voyage down from the town made their presence known by singing along, “Still I like the quiet, of Duluth in the winter.  In the sacred morning, there’s no place like home.” The local support was nice to see and certainly not surprising.

Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles

Singer and guitarist, Dave Simonett, announced in the middle of the set that they just finished recording their fifth album which is due out in the spring.  The band then played several new songs from it and the crowd slowed down with attentive ears open.  The new songs were very good. Bassist, Tim Saxhaug, later took the vocal reigns to lead a uniting sing-along of the classic ”Stand By Me”.  It was upbeat and fantastic.  All night the band was relaxed and I’ve never seen them play a better live show.  The live experience of the band was more obvious than ever as they burned through a wonderful set for their favorite local fans.  Big things are due for these talented alternative bluegrass rockers, and rightfully so.  Go see this band!

Charlie Parr & Mikkel Beckman

Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles jamboree

Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles

Erik Berry of Trampled by Turtles

The reigning queen of alt-country, Lucinda Williams, brought her band, the Buick 6, to First Avenue on Friday, September 18th, 2009 for a stop on her 30th Anniversary Tour.  Before the night was over she was a married woman.  She hit the stage alone, nicely dressed in black skirt and a low-cut jacket top and it was obvious from the beginning that it was an emotional and butterfly-inducing occasion as she brought in the sold-out show with a couple of acoustic songs from her first album, Ramblin.

She then brought the Buick 6 onstage and proceeded to work through songs from all of her albums chronologically, ending the set with 2008’s acclaimed album Little Honey that was released on Lost Highway Records.  The Buick 6 were slow to move, but by the middle of the show the engines were revving high with former Iggy Pop guitarist Eric Schermerhorn leading the way.  The set ended with Lucinda playing acoustic once again including a song (lyrics) by Hank Williams that she wrote the music to.  She fought back tears several times before finally setting the guitar down and stepping off the stage. 

Moments later Lucinda took the stage with her poet-father Miller Williams, a tall gaunt gentleman with a soft southern voice.  He spoke of Lucinda and how as a child she was in the room the day he met Hank Williams who died soon after.  Then Miller finally read his most famous poem “The Caterpillar” which was written about Lucinda when she was seven.  Lucinda stood behind her father in the corner of the stage smiling admirably the entire time.  After the poem, the stage filled with family and friends.  The ceremony proceeded with unique vows led by a tall elderly minister and when it was time for the kiss, First Avenue exploded with streamers and confetti.  The ceremony seemed rather unorganized, but it all made for a very memorable rock-n-roll experience and Lucinda and her new husband (Minnesota native) Tom Overby appeared to be truly happy.

After the stage cleared, the band encored with “Happy” by the Rolling Stones.  Lucinda persuaded her groom to join her onstage and he finally did, holding onto her side as she wailed from the center of the stage.  Tom then picked up a white Fender Telecaster and strummed along timidly as the band played an alt-country version of AC/DC’s “Long Way to the Top”.  That’s how this unique and interesting evening ended and it will go down as one of the more memorable experiences I’ve ever had at First Avenue.  The music was good too.

photo courtesy of Julie S.

Apparently there are many out there looking for information on the great music venues of Minneapolis-St. Paul.  Below is a somewhat comprehensive list of the major music venues in the Twin Cities (excluding sports arenas and corner bars).  I included their contact information, capacity and seating charts when applicable.  Minnesota rocks!!

The Cabooze
917 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612.338.2027
Capacity: 904

Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Phone: 612.338.2674
Capacity: 465

Fine Line Music Café
318 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612.338.8100
Capacity: 769

First Avenue
701 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612.338.8388
Capacity: 1200

Northrop Auditorium
84 Church Street
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612.625.6600
Capacity: 4800
Seating Chart

O’ Shaughnessy Theater
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Phone: 651.690.6700
Capacity: 1740
Seating Chart

Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612.373.5600
Capacity: 2579
Seating Chart

Pantages Theatre
710 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612.373.5600
Capacity: 1014
Seating Chart

Roy Wilkins Auditorium
175 West Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651.265.4800
Capacity: 5850
Seating Chart

State Theatre
805 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612.373.5600
Capacity: 2181
Seating Chart

Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Phone: 612.333.7399
Capacity: 400

Turf Club
1601 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651.647.0486
Capacity: 400

Varsity Theater
1308 4th Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612.604.0222
Capacity: 500

Weesner Amphitheatre at the MN Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 952.431.9200
Capacity: 1450
Seating Chart

400 Bar
400 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612.332.2903
Capacity: 570

7th Street Entry
29 North 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612.338.8388
Capacity: 250

Singer & guitarist, Dan Auerbach, whose resume also bolsters that he’s one-half of the famous power duo, The Black Keys, paid Minneapolis, MN a visit on Saturday March 7th.  First Avenue was slow to fill but by the time Auerbach was onstage the place was packed to near-capacity.  Those Darlins, a foursome led by a trio of young women from Murfreesboro, TN opened up the show with a simple unassuming set of country tinged honky-tonk.  Their spirit was in the right place but their tunes didn’t seem ready for the confines of First Avenue and unfortunately I couldn’t wait for their set to end.

Dan Auerbach’s backing band, Hacienda, was up next and these guys were impressive.  Hacienda is a Mexican-American quartet made up of three brothers and a cousin who hail from San Antonio, TX with their sound equally Texan, mixing a raw yet tight 1960’s pop rock-n-roll vibe with gorgeous harmonies.  This was their first show in Minnesota and they appeared to be having quite a time, and the crowd was equally happy to accomodate as the band worked through a great set of tunes.

Dan Auerbach took the stage at 8:45 and by this time a diverse and respectful crowd had finally packed the room.  Hacienda returned to their respective places onstage with an additional percussionist/drummer stepping out behind Auerbach.  This guy looked all too familiar but the opening song “Trouble Weighs a Ton” had dark backlighting and it was hard to decipher who he was.  When the lights kicked in for “I Want Some More”, the second song in the set I immediately recognized the man.  Minneapolis was graced with the presense of My Morning Jacket’s very own Patrick Hallahan and there he was shaking maracas and bouncing to the beat with his recognizable hair flailing.  Hallahan divided his time between the small percussion setup and an additional trap set and this was a great surprise since I hadn’t been following the tour and had no knowledge that he was backing Auerbach.

For the next 80 minutes Auerbach ripped through rockers and soft heartfelt blues numbers alike with his strong voice and guitar never failing.  I saw the Black Keys two years ago at this very same venue and can only think of where they could go with some keys and a bassist.  Auerbach’s performace was utterly amazing at times, and the addition of the backing band, Hacienda, only made the show stronger and more lively. 

When all was said and done I don’t think a person could have left that room without stating they witnessed a very impressive performance.  Although I’m not a huge fan of The Black Keys, I will highly recommend to anyone who likes old school blues-rock that they check out Dan Auerbach when he comes around.  If he’s not coming to your town anytime soon, go out and buy his recently released solo debut Keep It Hid.  It’s truly a great piece of work by a man whose sound is wise beyond the years.

Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Trouble Weighs A Ton
I Want Some More
The Prowl
When I Left The Room
My Last Mistake
Mean Monsoon
Oh Carol
Real Desire
Money And Trouble
Street Walkin’
When The Night Comes
Whispered Words
Heartbroken, In Disrepair
Keep It Hid
Inside Lookin Out
encore:
Goin’ Home
Hidden Charms

Dan Auerbach

On the run to support the newly released album Mantis, Chicago’s finest band Umphrey’s McGee paid Minneapolis and the best rock club in town a three day visit once again.  It was eleven months since their last shows at First Avenue and expectations were high, especially from those of us who attended the 2008 run.

Night one was Friday, January 30th and for some reason this night turned into the amateur hour.  I secured one of the best spots in the house on the balcony, had a pint, and made some new friends while waiting for the show to start.  Finally Umphrey’s McGee was back onstage in Minneapolis and they opened with “Red Tape” and also worked in “Spires” off of the new album during the first set.  “Miss Tinkle’s Overture” was an interesting rendition but wait, did I just see a crowd surfer down on the floor?!?  No way…

Set two was more lively and became a good primer for what night two would bring.  They brought in the set with “Pay the Snucka” and worked through an awesome “Ja Junk” which pushed the energy levels up.  Hey is that girl crowd surfing down there?  What the shit?  Hey there’s another guy crowd surfing too!  Awesome!!!  I’m surprised the usually iron-fisted and authoritative First Avenue security guards didn’t start cracking heads.  “Cemetary Walk” from Mantis ended the set in style and for the encore they finally worked back to resolve “Pay the Snucka”.  This show was average due largely in part to the disrespectful distractions on the floor, but it did leave a lot of possibilities open for a Saturday night rock show.

Saturday, January 31st was the first time in the entire month of January that Minneapolis reached above the freezing mark.  The sun was shining bright and warm, loosening those winter blues and optimistic smiles were pasted on everyone’s faces.  I went back to the same balcony rail as the night before and met some new friendly faces as well as the guys from the night before.  The area soon became known as ”the circle of trust”.  Saturday night was going to go off!

The band waltzed onstage and drummer Kris Myers clicked his sticks together one-two-three-crack right into the slow and heavy head bobbing “Push the Pig”, a perfect show opener.  “Andy’s Last Beer” was terrific as was “Turn & Run” from Mantis.  For the first time I got to see “Bright Lights” live which was jazzed up by the addition of local-boy Kevin Sinclair on saxophone.  Now there was no turning back.

Set two started with a big “Hell’s Bells” tease which worked into the teenage wasteland “Baba O’Riley”.  Awesome!!  Soon the song “Mantis” came big and my wait was over, this song is grand in every which way.  Not to be outdone, “Front Porch > Resolution” stepped up next and the show officially went off the deep end.  High-fives were flying all around and it was impossible to stop smiling being engulfed in the wonderful energy.  The night ended with a nice “Syncopated Strangers > Cemetery Walk II” mash and then it all seemed to be over too soon.  Thankfully Sunday night was still remaining.

Umphrey's McGee - 01.31.09

Umphrey's McGee - 01.31.09

Umphrey's McGee - 01.31.09

Umphrey's McGee - 01.31.09

Each night Pittsburgh native and bassist Ryan Stasik sported a different Steelers jersey.  Night one was Willie Parker, Hines Ward was night two, and for Super Bowl Sunday it was Troy Polamalu.  First Avenue held a pre-show Super Bowl party and I walked in during the wild fourth quarter and joined a few others who had been watching the game.  About twenty minutes after the game, the curtain was raised for night three and there Stasik was waving a terrible towel.

By the time the headbanging “Wizard Burial Ground” was complete, it was obvious the band was loose and it was going to be a fun night.  With First Avenue maybe two-thirds full there was room to move and soon “Phil’s Farm” brought the boogie and was easily the highlight of set one.

The Mantis number “1348″ that I’d been waiting to hear live opened the flood gates to set number two and it was every bit as good as I had hoped.  Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” cover was a nice treat and “Triple Wide” was fun although not quite as rockin as usual but set-ender, “40’s Theme”, didn’t have a problem making up for it.  The encore of the night was Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same” and upon its conclusion a very memorable fist-pumping, music-uniting, rock show of a weekend was over in style.  And I could not be more grateful.