|
|
Calendar of events for Fri, Aug 29
Calendar of events for Sat, Aug 30
Calendar of events for Sun, Aug 31
Calendar of events for Mon, Sep 1
Calendar of events for Tue, Sep 2
website |
view more details →
For the 49th consecutive year - OK, its only five - Garrison Keillor brings A Prairie Home Companion to the grandstand. One year, his Friday night performance extended past three hours, which meant some serious editing before the program was broadcast the next afternoon. Since Keillor is taking the show to several state fairs this summer - the Rhubarb Tour, he calls it - he might be more verbose as he waxes about the superiority of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. His guests include Suzy Bogguss, she of the gorgeous country-folk voice, and Fred Newman, he of countless sound effects. Jon Bream
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
Dan Patch Av. and Nelson St.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
With the long wait for Doomtree to drop its all-crew album last month, the Twin Cities indie-rap collective has a stockpile of CDs by its individual members ready to roll. First up is the full-length debut by the crews fedora-wearing poetic playboy Cecil Otter, titled Rebel Yellow. Hes offering two release parties on one night. The late show features his pal MK Laradas rock band, the Millionth Word, and Attracted to Gods, featuring members of Atmospheres live band. Chris Riemenschneider
Triple Rock
629 Cedar Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-333-7399
view more details →
Local rocker Mark Mallman has always been a proud child of the 80s, but Night Shot, the first CD by his new synth-rock trio Ruby Isle, sounds like an all-out homage to growing up glued to MTV. The playful but not quite tongue-in-cheek group also features Dan Geller, who pioneered digi-rock with I Am the World Trade Center. They blend big-hair metal choruses with get-into-the-groove dance beats and wine-cooler-drunk nightlife lyrics, including guest vocals by local YouTube star Tay Zonday on the title track. The CD comes with the eight-song Elbo.ws EP, for which the group covered one song per day off the top of the hip Elbo.ws download site, including tracks by the Raveonettes, Headlights and a mish-mash of Stephen Malkmus and M.I.A. Its not all so clever, but Night Shot should at least fill your 80s nostalgia fix through the end of the 00s. Chris Riemenschneider
Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Av. SE.
Minneapolis, MN
612-331-9800
website |
view more details →
Too bad the fair doesnt have more reggae, which suits both the sunny-day environs as well as the states large African population, but the one act it does have is a mighty good representative: Innocent, a native of Tanzania, who has been a stalwart in the Twin Cities club scene for 15 years. Chris Riemenschneider
International Bazaar, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Underwood St. and Judson Av.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Trampled by Turtles are the bastard sons of Jerry Garcias extramarital affair with bluegrass. The Duluth-reared quartets high-strung brand of rocking twang has made them favorites in both the Twin Cities and Twin Ports club scenes and at festivals around the Midwest over the past half-decade. Chris Riemenschneider
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Trombone Shorty has played with some big names, including Lenny Kravitz (in his touring band) and U2 and Green Day (at the 2006 Super Bowl), but down in New Orleans the real-life Troy Andrews is turning into quite the star on his own with his innovative and lively brand of brass-blown Crescent City funk. A real treat for a free show. Chris Riemenschneider
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
After several years of falling between the local jam-band and alt-country scenes, the White Iron Band has settled on not settling for any pigeonhole. Its new album, Devils Sweet Revenge, offers a rowdy, hellbent mix of Southern boogie and outlaw country from the headwaters of Whiskey River and Cripple Creek. Chris Riemenschneider
Heritage Square, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Dan Patch Av. and Liggett St.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
view more details →
This is an old Irish tune. Thats how the Cities venerable Memphis-style R&B/soul band the Butanes introduced Green Onions during one of their regular Friday gigs at the Irish bar that used to be the Poodle Club. In other words, Curt Obeda & Co. -- whose weekly Cabooze gigs from 15 to 20 years ago are still fondly remembered -- havent altered their act to suit the green surroundings. Chris Riemenschneider
McMahon's
3001 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-722-1377
website |
view more details →
Musical adaptation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, starring Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the 1970's television series, as "Ma." Opening night is Aug. 15, with tickets at $75. [Two week extension of run, through Oct. 19, $34-$65]
Review: A big, broad pageant on pioneer spirit. There is not a great deal of texture and only a nod at character, but the show is wholesome to the point of sanitized and it never drags in Francesca Zambellos production. The tunes are Disney, though the arrangements hint at Copland Americana. Ill Be Your Eyes between Laura and Mary Ingalls is the one song thats a guaranteed money moment.
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-377-2224
website |
view more details →
One of the eternal verities of the Minnesota State Fair is that the art show is always classy. This year's edition meets the mark with 386 pieces picked from 1,979 entries by a distinguished jury that includes the Walker Art Center's new director, Olga Viso.
Fine Arts Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Randall Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A retrospective of work by the photographer including black-and-white portraits of musicians from the 50s and 60s.
Review: With his sly wit, appreciation of incongruity and eye for the marvelous in the mundane, Friedlander records the American cornucopia in fascinating images whose abundance threatens to overwhelm the senses. (M.A.)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-3131
view more details →
True to his background as actor, Billy Bob Thornton will offer two different musical guises in concert. The longtime drummer/singer/songwriter will do a hillbilly set with the Boxmasters and then a rock set. Expect a lot of material from the 2008 double-CD The Boxmasters, wherein rockabilly meets the British Invasion, as well as Thorntons fourth solo album, 2007s reflective, laid-back Beautiful Door. Jon Bream
Pantages Theatre
710 Hennepin Av.
Minneapolis, MN
952-431-9500
website |
view more details →
Dont discount the Black Crowes as another of the fairs nostalgia acts. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson and the smartly revamped lineup of their classic-sounding but forward-thinking rock band are touring behind their best album in a decade. The always-feuding brothers didnt exactly declare peace to make Warpaint, but they did find genuine harmony in its bevy of soulful jams. Best of all, they recruited a hot younger guitarist, Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars fame, to add a little lighter fluid to Richs bon-fire licks. Another heralded blues-rock band, Ohio duo the Black Keys, should make it a show to remember instead of one thats all about remembering. Chris Riemenschneider
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
Dan Patch Av. and Nelson St.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
After making his name with party songs like Some Beach, Blake Shelton took his girlfriend Miranda Lamberts advice and recorded Michael Bublés Home. Ms. Gunpowder and Lead has good taste in slow songs because Home became Sheltons fourth No. 1 country tune. Now hes getting all lonesome on the single She Wouldnt Be Gone. Jon Bream
Mystic Lake Casino
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.
Prior Lake, MN
website |
view more details →
Too bad the fair doesnt have more reggae, which suits both the sunny-day environs as well as the states large African population, but the one act it does have is a mighty good representative: Innocent, a native of Tanzania, who has been a stalwart in the Twin Cities club scene for 15 years. Chris Riemenschneider
International Bazaar, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Underwood St. and Judson Av.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Booking superstar Tim McGraw to inaugurate Treasure Island Casinos new 3,000-seat events center is about the biggest under-play in the Twin Cities since the Foo Fighters rocked First Avenue in 2002 to warm up for an arena tour. The show is also one of only two gigs he has booked this fall. Jon Bream
Treasure Island Casino
5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd.
Red Wing, MN
1-800-222-7077
website |
view more details →
Trampled by Turtles are the bastard sons of Jerry Garcias extramarital affair with bluegrass. The Duluth-reared quartets high-strung brand of rocking twang has made them favorites in both the Twin Cities and Twin Ports club scenes and at festivals around the Midwest over the past half-decade. Chris Riemenschneider
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Trombone Shorty has played with some big names, including Lenny Kravitz (in his touring band) and U2 and Green Day (at the 2006 Super Bowl), but down in New Orleans the real-life Troy Andrews is turning into quite the star on his own with his innovative and lively brand of brass-blown Crescent City funk. A real treat for a free show. Chris Riemenschneider
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A former truck driver, watermelon farmer, collections agent, Vietnam soldier (and war-protest songwriter) and now blues star, Bill (Watermelon Slim) Homans returns to feature songs from his new release No Paid Holiday. The CD features guest shots by Lee Roy Parnell and piano wizard David Maxwell, and has garnered lots of blues radio play, earning Top 10 status on the Billboard blues chart. Still, Watermelon Slims talents are best experienced live, as he wails on harmonica, dobro and slide guitar, and wails just as forcefully vocally, backed by his rousing meat-and-potatoes bar blues trio, the Workers. Tom Surowicz
Famous Dave's
Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av.
Minneapolis, MN
612-822-9900
website |
view more details →
After several years of falling between the local jam-band and alt-country scenes, the White Iron Band has settled on not settling for any pigeonhole. Its new album, Devils Sweet Revenge, offers a rowdy, hellbent mix of Southern boogie and outlaw country from the headwaters of Whiskey River and Cripple Creek. Chris Riemenschneider
Heritage Square, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Dan Patch Av. and Liggett St.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Musical adaptation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, starring Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the 1970's television series, as "Ma." Opening night is Aug. 15, with tickets at $75. [Two week extension of run, through Oct. 19, $34-$65]
Review: A big, broad pageant on pioneer spirit. There is not a great deal of texture and only a nod at character, but the show is wholesome to the point of sanitized and it never drags in Francesca Zambellos production. The tunes are Disney, though the arrangements hint at Copland Americana. Ill Be Your Eyes between Laura and Mary Ingalls is the one song thats a guaranteed money moment.
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-377-2224
website |
view more details →
One of the eternal verities of the Minnesota State Fair is that the art show is always classy. This year's edition meets the mark with 386 pieces picked from 1,979 entries by a distinguished jury that includes the Walker Art Center's new director, Olga Viso.
Fine Arts Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Randall Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A retrospective of work by the photographer including black-and-white portraits of musicians from the 50s and 60s.
Review: With his sly wit, appreciation of incongruity and eye for the marvelous in the mundane, Friedlander records the American cornucopia in fascinating images whose abundance threatens to overwhelm the senses. (M.A.)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-3131
website |
view more details →
For its seventh annual tour, American Idols Live has adopted a different format: Fewer ensemble numbers and a countdown in order of the 10 finalists, leading to a major David Cook moment. Look for Jason Castro to do Over the Rainbow on ukulele. Seriously. Jon Bream
Target Center
600 1st Av. N.
Minneapolis, MN
website |
view more details →
Back with her first album in 17 years, versatile diva Donna Summer goes eclectic- from reggae to dance (both Im On Fire and Stamp Your Feet have soared up Billboards dance chart) - on the aptly named Crayons. Expect the show to be divided between new tunes and her big-voiced hits - but not Love to Love You, Baby, which she hasnt done in years. Read an interview with Summer in Sundays Variety A+E. Jon Bream
Mystic Lake Casino
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.
Prior Lake, MN
website |
view more details →
Excuse the cutesy spelling and over-the-top mix-and-match outfits. But Jypsi - three sisters and a brother, ages 16 to 26 - join Little Big Town as intriguing Nashville co-ed harmonizers. Jypsis bluegrass instrumentation and vocalizing dress up some fairly standard pop songs. Jon Bream
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
After Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans R&B veteran relocated to St. Cloud with his Minnesota-bred wife. Jon Bream
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A deluge of rain couldnt spoil it last year, and now well find out if the Black Dog Cafe Block Party can withstand the storm of the Republican convention. The second annual street bash which takes place outside its namesake eatery in St. Pauls eclectic and arty Lowertown area just happened to fall on the same weekend as the RNC, bringing an extra dose of diversity to the Capitol City. It kicks off Sunday with a bunch of innovative and instrumental bands, including jazzists the Fantastic Merlins and Brass Messengers and the serene Spaghetti Western String Orchestra, plus Down Lo, Big Quarters, Anthony Cox, Aviette and more. After a day off, it resumes Tuesday with hip-hop-centric bill featuring a national headliner, Bay Area indie-rap heroes Boots Riley & the Coup, plus Los Nativos, Kill the Vultures, M.anifest and Ill Chemistry. Chris Riemenschneider
Black Dog Cafe
308 Prince St.
St. Paul, MN
651-228-9274
website |
view more details →
The Combo (a k a Dr. Mambos Combo or the Legendary Combo, with Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Billy Franze, etc.) has played a weekly gig at Bunkers going back to, like, the Eisenhower administration. Now, it plays Sundays and Mondays. Chris Riemenschneider
Bunkers
761 Washington Av. N.
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-8188
website |
view more details →
Musical adaptation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, starring Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the 1970's television series, as "Ma." Opening night is Aug. 15, with tickets at $75. [Two week extension of run, through Oct. 19, $34-$65]
Review: A big, broad pageant on pioneer spirit. There is not a great deal of texture and only a nod at character, but the show is wholesome to the point of sanitized and it never drags in Francesca Zambellos production. The tunes are Disney, though the arrangements hint at Copland Americana. Ill Be Your Eyes between Laura and Mary Ingalls is the one song thats a guaranteed money moment.
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-377-2224
website |
view more details →
One of the eternal verities of the Minnesota State Fair is that the art show is always classy. This year's edition meets the mark with 386 pieces picked from 1,979 entries by a distinguished jury that includes the Walker Art Center's new director, Olga Viso.
Fine Arts Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Randall Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A retrospective of work by the photographer including black-and-white portraits of musicians from the 50s and 60s.
Review: With his sly wit, appreciation of incongruity and eye for the marvelous in the mundane, Friedlander records the American cornucopia in fascinating images whose abundance threatens to overwhelm the senses. (M.A.)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-3131
website |
view more details →
Its hard to know which seems weirder: Reggae at the Triple Rock or the idea of Culture without iconic bandleader Joseph Hill, who passed away in 2006. His son Kenyatta Hill, who was on tour with his father when he died, is carrying on with the influential Jamaican band and has issued a tribute single, Daddy. The progressive, incendiary torch hes picking up should actually burn well at the punk-rock bar. New Rebelution opens. Chris Riemenschneider
Triple Rock
629 Cedar Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-333-7399
website |
view more details →
Excuse the cutesy spelling and over-the-top mix-and-match outfits. But Jypsi - three sisters and a brother, ages 16 to 26 - join Little Big Town as intriguing Nashville co-ed harmonizers. Jypsis bluegrass instrumentation and vocalizing dress up some fairly standard pop songs. Jon Bream
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
You dont have to drive out to a campground in outstate Minnesota and sleep in a tent to enjoy a down-homey bluegrass fest in a scenic setting, at least not on Labor Day, when the Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival has brought the rural twang fest vibe into town for 10 straight years. This years lineup once again features The Boys (Middle Spunk Creek and Platte Valley) along with Becky Schlegel, Nuvo Buffalo, Tangled Roots, Ivory Bridge and Free Range Pickin. Chris Riemenschneider
Minnehaha Park
Godfrey Rd. and Minnehaha Av.
Minneapolis, MN
612-230-6400
website |
view more details →
What a perfect performer for Labor Day and the Republican convention. A friend of Ford workers and U.S. armed forces everywhere, rabble rouser Toby Keith will cover a spectrum of country-flavored topics from Beer for My Horses to his sensitive new single She Never Cried in Front of Me to Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue. Opening are three baby acts from his label - Mica Roberts, Trailer Choir and Carters Chord. Read an interview with Keith in Sundays Variety A+E. Jon Bream
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
Dan Patch Av. and Nelson St.
Falcon Heights, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
After Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans R&B veteran relocated to St. Cloud with his Minnesota-bred wife. Jon Bream
Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Near Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
Featuring Dan Lund and Becky Thompson, with Joe Savage on pedal steel, James Dungan-Seaver on bass/vocals and John Griggs on piano/guitar and vocals.
Lee's Liquor Lounge
101 Glenwood Av. N.
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-9491
website |
view more details →
The Combo (a k a Dr. Mambos Combo or the Legendary Combo, with Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Billy Franze, etc.) has played a weekly gig at Bunkers going back to, like, the Eisenhower administration. Now, it plays Sundays and Mondays. Chris Riemenschneider
Bunkers
761 Washington Av. N.
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-8188
website |
view more details →
It was 10 below on a Monday this winter, and warm as a campfire inside the crowded 331 Club, where the Roe Family Singers hold down a weekly spot. Led by ex-Accident Clearinghouse co-leader Quillan Roe and his wife, Kim, and featuring Trailer Trash guitarist Dan Gaarder, the folksy acoustic troupe plays old Harry Smith-approved folk tunes, lots of Carter Family and clever originals with banjo, mandolin and even a musical saw. Chris Riemenschneider
331 Club
331 13th Av. NE.
Minneapolis, MN
612-331-1746
website |
view more details →
One of the eternal verities of the Minnesota State Fair is that the art show is always classy. This year's edition meets the mark with 386 pieces picked from 1,979 entries by a distinguished jury that includes the Walker Art Center's new director, Olga Viso.
Fine Arts Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Randall Av. and Cosgrove St.
St. Paul, MN
651-288-4427
website |
view more details →
A retrospective of work by the photographer including black-and-white portraits of musicians from the 50s and 60s.
Review: With his sly wit, appreciation of incongruity and eye for the marvelous in the mundane, Friedlander records the American cornucopia in fascinating images whose abundance threatens to overwhelm the senses. (M.A.)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-3131
website |
view more details →
A deluge of rain couldnt spoil it last year, and now well find out if the Black Dog Cafe Block Party can withstand the storm of the Republican convention. The second annual street bash which takes place outside its namesake eatery in St. Pauls eclectic and arty Lowertown area just happened to fall on the same weekend as the RNC, bringing an extra dose of diversity to the Capitol City. It kicks off Sunday with a bunch of innovative and instrumental bands, including jazzists the Fantastic Merlins and Brass Messengers and the serene Spaghetti Western String Orchestra, plus Down Lo, Big Quarters, Anthony Cox, Aviette and more. After a day off, it resumes Tuesday with hip-hop-centric bill featuring a national headliner, Bay Area indie-rap heroes Boots Riley & the Coup, plus Los Nativos, Kill the Vultures, M.anifest and Ill Chemistry. Chris Riemenschneider
Black Dog Cafe
308 Prince St.
St. Paul, MN
651-228-9274
website |
view more details →
Every Phish-head knows that bassist Mike Gordon, with his thin, nasally voice, isnt a compelling lead singer. Nonetheless, there are small joys on his new The Green Sparrow, including the Phish-flavored Another Door, the jam-happy Andelmans Yard and the rocking Dig Further Down featuring Trey Anastasio. Jon Bream
Varsity Theater
1308 SE. 4th St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-604-0222
website |
view more details →
Musical adaptation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, starring Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the 1970's television series, as "Ma." Opening night is Aug. 15, with tickets at $75. [Two week extension of run, through Oct. 19, $34-$65]
Review: A big, broad pageant on pioneer spirit. There is not a great deal of texture and only a nod at character, but the show is wholesome to the point of sanitized and it never drags in Francesca Zambellos production. The tunes are Disney, though the arrangements hint at Copland Americana. Ill Be Your Eyes between Laura and Mary Ingalls is the one song thats a guaranteed money moment.
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-377-2224
website |
view more details →
A retrospective of work by the photographer including black-and-white portraits of musicians from the 50s and 60s.
Review: With his sly wit, appreciation of incongruity and eye for the marvelous in the mundane, Friedlander records the American cornucopia in fascinating images whose abundance threatens to overwhelm the senses. (M.A.)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-3131
|
