music

A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:

Seeing Bruce Springsteen with my son, Xcel Energy Center. That my 14-year-old son was there front and center with me at Springsteen, his first big concert, was totally awesome. The night's highlight was when Bruce looked down, smiling big, pointed right at my kid and said, "Hey, man!"

Vampire Weekend, "Vampire Weekend." Don't let the name of this band make you run for the garlic. VW's CD is full of excellent tunes that teens and parents alike will enjoy. I love that my three teenagers are turning me on to Vampire Weekend, Beck, Of Montreal and their other favorites.

Nick Gaudette. My son's bass instructor is a highly talented upright bassist and electric guitarist who has transformed my son from an ordinary musician to a kid with audible talent. Nick is in Orange Mighty Trio, which pushes the envelope from folk straight through to urban jazz. Nick's enthusiasm for all forms of music is not lost on his students.

MARY NELSON, PLYMOUTH

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"Jersey Boys," Orpheum Theatre. Who knew the compelling back story? The debt-to-the-Mafia drama helps make this better theater than "Mamma Mia." Plus, the cast, featuring the splendid Christopher Kale Jones and killer "Sopranos" vet Joseph Siravo, is as winning as those Four Seasons hits. Your eyes and ears will probably adore this musical more than the current Frankie Valli tour.

"Erykah: The Brave One," Essence magazine. Badu is a complex and fascinating subject as she talks about love, music, politics, freedom and motherhood. The part in which she's away from home and spends an hour on her computer via live video saying goodnight to her two kids, ages 10 and 3, is precious.

Gary Louris, Pantages Theatre. In an overlong, poorly paced show, the hometown hero's considerable talents were on display in abundance. With that voice, that batch of songs and his remarkable but reluctant guitar skills, his performance suggested that he should be as big a star as Tom Petty.

JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE