Recent content from Chris Riemenschneider
Jeff Lynne's ELO to say goodbye with only their second Twin Cities concert in four decades
The '70s hitmakers' Over and Out Tour will hit Xcel Center on Sept. 30, five years after their long-awaited return to town.
Trampled by Turtles and Avett Brothers to pair up again, this time at Xcel Energy Center
The Oct. 24 co-headlining gig in St. Paul will follow another meet-up at Wisconsin's Alpine Valley Music Theatre on Aug. 18.
Scene Makers Q&A: Sanni Brown blends hip-hop and all-Black music stream into MPR's mix
The host of the new Carbon Sound stream is also still holding court on the Current's show "The Message."
Olivia Rodrigo tour offers late 'charity platinum' tickets for Friday's St. Paul concert
A way to combat inflated resale prices on her Guts Tour, the seats appeared Thursday on Ticketmaster for her Xcel Energy Center show.
Basilica Block Party's rebirth in 2024 to feature old faves Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls
The event's move to Boom Island Park in Minneapolis also will feature the Fray, Needtobreathe, Phillip Phillips and an all-local stage.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for March 14-20 include Olivia Rodrigo, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Arlo Parks, Mark Mallman and Next.
Aster Café owner plans to open a larger venue, Aster House, along Minneapolis riverfront
The new 200-capacity eatery and music space will take over a historic building in the St. Anthony Main district.
Chance the Rapper will rejoin his summer friends in Minnesota in the State Fair's 2024 lineup
The Grammy-winning Chicago hip-hop star has made the Twin Cities one of the only stops on his limited itinerary.
10 reasons it's a bad idea to not take St. Paul-bound Olivia Rodrigo seriously
The former Disney TV star has come a long way in a short amount of time transitioning into a rock star.
St. Paul jazz haven goes quiet again as KJ's Hideaway abruptly closes
The club was housed in the downtown basement space previously occupied by the Artists' Quarter and Vieux Carré.
8 lessons our reporter learned about visiting Japan
Money troubles and blank views of Mount Fuji didn't spoil our trip, but could've been avoided.
Rapper Kid Cudi books his first Twin Cities show in 7 years Aug. 7 at Target Center
The "Day 'N' Nite" hitmaker will be joined by Pusha T and Jaden Smith on his Insano Tour stop in Minneapolis.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for March 7-13 include Jenny Lewis, Otoboke Beaver, Mary Gauthier, Luna and Minnesota Opera doing Bernstein.
Surf rockers Black Widows spotlighting 'artists of all kinds' in Minneapolis variety show residency
The so-called Greatest Shows Ever coincide with Women's History Month every Thursday in March at the Hook & Ladder.
Review: Jason Isbell keeps on trucking through changes in rock-solid two-night St. Paul stand
The Americana rocker mixed up his set lists for the sold-out Palace Theatre shows with his newly revised band, the 400 Unit.
Review: Cat Power offers Bob Dylan's home-state fans a visionary tribute in St. Paul
Chan Marshall and her band re-created the '1966 Royal Albert Hall' concert song-for-song but not note-for-note at the Fitzgerald.
Scene Makers Q&A: Laura Westley-Williams curates vibrant music rooms with no cover
The booker for White Squirrel Bar and 331 Club wants you to tip the bands.
Taste of Minnesota lines up Time ex-bandmates, Martina McBride, Wallflowers for 2024 concerts
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will return home with Morris Day to play the free event July 6-7 in downtown Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Jazz Festival announces Regina Carter, Stefon Harris for 2024 headliners
Joe Lovano and Karrin Allyson are also booked for the June 21-22 event in St. Paul, free as always.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Feb. 29-March 6 include Cat Power, Tomeka Reid, Jason Isbell, Aimee Mann and Matisyahu.
Minneapolis' Hook & Ladder announces first 22 concerts in its popular Under the Canopy series
The nonprofit venue will host fewer outdoor shows this year because of city restrictions.
Bob Dylan to join Willie Nelson at his Outlaw Music Fest near Twin Cities in 2024
John Mellencamp will join the two American music icons at Somerset Amphitheater on Sept. 6.
High-flying Pink will touch down a second night in St. Paul on fall 2024 tour
With her Oct. 18 gig nearly sold out, she added Oct. 17 at Xcel Center.
Minneapolis cult faves Run Westy Run to release second album in one year Friday
The band plays the Turf Club on release day to tout "Within Reason" after going 28 years without issuing a record.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Feb. 22-28 include Jon Batiste, BeauSoleil, Jamecia Bennett, Silversun Pickups and Maddie Zahm.
4 hidden Twin Cities music bars to warm you up this winter
One's under a brewery. Another's beneath a restaurant. Two are located off back alleys. Each is worth finding for live music.
Basilica Block Party is returning in 2024, but moving to a new site and weekend
Construction plans near the basilica dictated the festival's move to Boom Island Park, but organizers are staying on mission.
Local musicians feeling no love from Minneapolis Park Board over unpaid gigs
An online petition and calls for a boycott have started for performing at Lake Harriet Band Shell and other parks stages.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Feb. 15-21 include Rachael & Vilray, Matthew Sweet, Big Turn Music Fest and Pitbull, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias.
What's left of Mötley Crüe will hit the Minnesota State Fair grandstand in 2024
The band and its replacement guitarist will appear Aug. 29, the first big concert announced for this year's grandstand lineup.
The hardest working woman in the Twin Cities music scene steps out
After years serving as a sidewoman, talent booker and advocate, Christy Costello returns to the mic with her first solo album.
And now comes Usher's tour, including two November concert dates in Minneapolis
The R&B star will return to Target Center after wrapping a long run in Las Vegas at the Super Bowl.
Madonna teams with Twin Cities Pride on a new LGBTQ initiative at her St. Paul concert
TC Pride volunteers will be taking clothing and personal care donations for their Rainbow Wardrobe program Tuesday at Xcel Center.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Feb. 8-14 include Madonna, the Kills, Sarah Jarosz, Talk and an annual Bob Marley tribute.
Minneapolis' new North Loop bar Berlin hopes to create a music vibe akin to its namesake city
Sound engineer Alex Proctor and restaurateur Jamie Malone are curating the intimate venue where Askov Finlayson was housed.
Minnesotan Dan Wilson is coming home 'extra appreciative' of Oscar and Grammy noms
The Semisonic frontman's weekend solo gigs precede awards show appearances with Jon Batiste and Chris Stapleton songs.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Feb. 1-7 include gospel and Indigenous music showcases at First Ave, Lisa Fischer, Joshua Redman and Roe Family Singers.
Chili Peppers, Alanis top '90s-heavy lineup for first Minnesota Yacht Club Festival in St. Paul
Gwen Stefani, Black Crowes and Offspring will also play the event from Lollapalooza promoter C3, scheduled for July 19-20 on Harriet Island.
Barry Manilow confirms his 'last St. Paul concert ever' at Xcel Center in August
The Aug. 2 date will be the 80-year-old pop music hero's first time in town since his last "last" concert in 2016.
Actor Michael Shannon is 'gobsmacked' to sing R.E.M. at First Ave with indie-rock vets
The "Shape of Water" star teamed with Bob Mould bassist Jason Narducy to celebrate "Murmur's" 40th anniversary.
Surly Field's concert run back on track in 2024 with Andrew Bird, Lake Street Dive, Pixies dates
After a downturn last summer, the brewery and partner First Ave already have five concerts booked this year, and more to come.
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper's 'Freak' show coming Aug. 25 to the X in St. Paul
The famously macabre rock vets will be joined by openers Ministry and Filter.
The Big Gigs: 10 concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Jan. 25-31 include Lucius, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Digable Planets and DJ Shadow.
Review: Cactus Blossoms' Turf Club residency remains one of the Twin Cities' best music traditions
The vintage twangers' weekly January shows at the old St. Paul watering hole still have a fresh vibe.
Late '80s alt-pop band the Ocean Blue is making waves again from Minneapolis
Frontman David Schelzel found a new rhythm (and rhythm keeper) after moving to Minnesota.
Review: Travis Scott leans into pyro, Auto-Tune and mayhem in circus-like St. Paul gig
Saturday's sold-out Xcel Energy Center show was the Houston rapper's first in town since tragedy struck his 2021 hometown festival.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Jan. 18-24 include Travis Scott, Keb' Mo', Shelby Lynne and a tribute to Dolly.
Iowa's Hinterland lineup may be the Upper Midwest music fest to beat in 2024
Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan top the schedule for the Aug. 2-4 festival near Des Moines.
Janet Jackson's Together Again Tour coming again to Xcel Center in June 2024
Nelly will fill the opening slot on the St. Paul date, which falls just a year after her previous stop there.
Eau Claire's Blue Ox Music Festival announces 2024's 10th anniversary lineup
Band of Horses, Sierra Ferrell, Molly Tuttle and Leftover Salmon are on deck for the June 27-29 camp-out.
Minnesota music hero Charlie Parr announces new album, 'Little Sun,' with new collaborators
Tucker Martine produced the album, which Parr will promote with a May 3 release party at First Ave.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Jan. 11-17 include Arcwelder, Zeitgeist, Rebirth Brass Band and Best New Bands featuring Ber.
Garrison Keillor to stage 'Prairie Home' at its old St. Paul home for 50th anniversary in July
Minnesota Public Radio is not involved in the July 13 show at the Fitzgerald Theater, one of 12 scheduled around the U.S.
Meet the other six entries in First Ave's Best New Bands of 2023 showcase
The grab bag of buzzy newcomers in Friday's Mainroom lineup includes Ber, L.A. Buckner, Clare Doyle and Barlow.
First Ave's Best New Bands star Laamar proves you can come home again
After 14 years in New York, the folky North Side songwriter returned to Minneapolis at a pivotal time.
Trampled by Turtles' summer love fest at Bayfront Park scheduled again for 2024
A Duluth tradition since 2013, the acoustic sextet's harborside gig also will feature Houndmouth this year.
What were the best albums of 2023? Our critics name their top 10
Highlights included Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Rey, Mitski, Paul Simon, Son Volt and Jelly Roll.
Concerts wrapped: Our music critics' year-end stats for 2023
How many concerts does a professional music critic see in a year? Which venues do they frequent the most? We dove into the numbers to find out.
What were the best concerts you saw in 2023? Our critics name their top 20
Big-wow stadium shows by megastars ruled, but there were fireworks in smaller venues, too.
The Big Gigs: 11 best concerts in the Twin Cities in the next two weeks
Highlights for Dec. 28-Jan. 10 include Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, Soul Asylum, Rosanne Cash and Zakk Sabbath.
8 live music picks for New Year's Eve around the Twin Cities, depending on your mood
The mix for ringing in 2024 includes Cornbread Harris, Motion City Soundtrack, Davina and more.
Best albums and signs of life from Minnesota music scene in 2023
New venues and young talent mixed with old favorites and a post-COVID energy to keep the scene alive and well this year.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Dec. 21-27 include Caitlyn Smith, the Bad Plus, Trailer Trash, Peabo Bryson and Andrew Walesch.
What were the Electric Fetus' top-selling albums of 2023 (besides Taylor Swift)?
Hozier and Gracie Abrams topped the list after appearing at Minneapolis' best-known record store on tour.
Lollapalooza backers announce two-day music festival in St. Paul
C3 Presents will produce the Minnesota Yacht Club festival July 19-20 on St. Paul's Harriet Island.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week
Concert highlights for Dec. 14-20 include Nelly, Robert Glasper, Kristin Chenoweth and the Jayhawks.
Minneapolis' Armory criticized for taking 25% of bands' sales of merchandise
Saturday's headliner Falling in Reverse criticized the venue over the practice, common in the concert industry.
Who's laughing now? Sibling band Durry sells out First Ave to top off 'dream come true' year
Burnsville's Austin and Taryn Durry report back from a tour for their debut album, "Suburban Legend."
Review: Doja Cat dresses up in 'Scarlet' with a red-hot Ice Spice at Target Center
The "Need to Know" hitmaker sold out her first arena show in town, and proved worthy of it.
Target Field flashback: Def Leppard and Journey returning to Twins ballpark in 2024
The Steve Miller Band will open the Aug. 19 gig, the third big rock show at the Minneapolis stadium next summer.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week
Highlights for Dec. 7-13 include Doja Cat with Ice Spice, Curtiss A's Lennon tribute, Arlo Parks, Los Lobos and Lukas Nelson.
Minneapolis power trio Arcwelder wields its first new music in 24 years
The two new songs were posted Friday ahead of a Jan. 3 album release and Jan. 13 Turf Club concert.
Review: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' might be the best superhero movie of 2023
The pop star directed the film based off her 2023 concert tour and did all the action scenes herself, too.
Ready for it? Spotify names Minneapolis' most-streamed artists and songs of 2023
Taylor ruled, but Minneapolis listeners also drooled over Morgan Wallen in the streaming service's Wrapped lists.
Out of the bluegrass: Minnesota band Barbaro crafts ethereal new LP with Bon Iver associate
"About the Winter" features a warm new sound from the band, using the same fiddle and banjo as before.