Recent content from Jon Bream
Minnesota singer Sherwin Linton shares stories of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
Minnesota's most enduring country singer hasn't missed a gig in his seven-decade career.
Which 'Purple Rain' screening will fans attend: Paisley Park or Target Center?
The 40th anniversary of Prince's movie is Saturday, with options from different factions of his estate.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for July 25-31 include Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend, Sheila E., Future, Dawes, Seun Kuti and Palmfest.
Sheila E. talks about Paisley Park dust-up and her two new albums
As she returns to Minneapolis, she has a new salsa record and a new R&B disc.
Minneapolis singer Jovonta Patton named 'new artist of the year' at Stellar Gospel Music Awards
It was an uncommon win for an independent artist at Saturday's ceremonies.
It was smooth sailing for opening of Minnesota Yacht Club, the new music festival in St. Paul
At the first big music fest on Harriet Island since 2012, fans enjoyed the setup and '90s sounds.
Philly's NBA coach digs Prince so much he's throwing a party at Paisley Park
Morris Day & the Time and the New Power Generation will entertain Aug. 17 for Nick Nurse's event.
Black Crowes cancel Minnesota Yacht Club appearance set for Friday
After an illness in the Atlanta band, organizers have rearranged the schedule for the inaugural fest's opening day.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for July 18-24 include Minnesota Yacht Club, Sunny Sweeney, Lyle Lovett and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Harriet Island boasts long music fest history starring Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston and Dave Matthews
A look back at music events on the Mississippi River from 1983 to 2012.
Review: Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago make St. Paul fans feel the love
The extended joint encore culminated in a knockout version of "25 or 6 to 4."
Larry McDonough is a lawyer by day, a jazz pianist by night
Music is good therapy for his day job of helping the needy navigate life's necessities.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for July 11-17 include Nickel Creek with Andrew Bird, Grace Potter, Chicago with Earth, Wind & Fire, X and Jeezy.
Review: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis triumph as performers with help from friends at Taste of Minnesota
They also joined Morris Day for a reunion of the Time in their hometown of Minneapolis.
Review: Mike Campbell reminds St. Paul fans how much we miss Tom Petty
But the Heartbreakers guitarist moves on with his own impressive band and material.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will make their debut as a performing duo at Taste of Minnesota
Their group will feature guest singers on Sunday, possibly including ex-bandmate Morris Day.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for July 4-10 include Miranda Lambert, Niall Horan, Trampled by Turtles, Marcia Ball, Baseball Project and Taste of Minnesota.
Mike Campbell finally finds his post-Petty confidence with Dirty Knobs
Promoting his third album in four years, he heads to St. Paul on Friday with a revamped band.
Review: Country superstar Keith Urban plays it fun and loose in Minneapolis club gig
Between festivals appearances, he treated 650 lucky fans to a freewheeling concert at the Fine Line.
6 cool things in music this week, including Los Lobos, Jamecia Bennett and Trip Shakespeare documentary
Shoutouts, too, to the Waco Brothers and the new book about tormented drummer Jim Gordon.
Scene Maker Q+A: KMOJ DJ Walter 'Q Bear' Banks talks about his pal Prince and George Floyd aftermath
The radio veteran will be inducted this year into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Dance the night (and day) away with new EDM fest at Allianz Field this weekend
Kaskade and Illenium headline the inaugural Breakaway Festival in St. Paul.
Purple problems: What was right and what was wrong with Prince Celebration 2024
Fans loved the musical preview and songs from the vault but were frustrated by the disorganization.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for June 27-July 3 include Adrianne Lenker, Ben Platt, Little Feat, Blue Ox Festival, the Church and Afghan Whigs.
Prince to receive posthumous star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
The late "Baby, I'm a Star" singer will be part of the 2025 class.
Review: New Kids on the Block triumph with the right old stuff at Mystic Lake Casino
The enduring boy band offered new songs but scored with nostalgia and fan friendliness.
Review: The Revolution rocks the most hard-core Prince audience ever at First Avenue
The two-night stand with guest Judith Hill celebrates the 40th anniversary of the movie "Purple Rain."
6 cool things in music this week include Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Elton John and John Lennon
Shoutouts, too, to Connie Han, Tracey Blake and Wild Nights at the Minnesota Zoo.
Review: Fire and beer ignite Morgan Wallen at U.S. Bank Stadium
In his first of two nights, the ambitious production and first-rate songs compensated for his nasally twang.
Big Gigs: the 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for June 20-26 include Morgan Wallen, Pixies and Modest Mouse, Los Lobos, Black Pumas, New Kids on the Block and Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
Review: Janet Jackson brings her Black girl magic to St. Paul
Her retrospective show demonstrated what control and Minneapolis meant to her career.
Reliving 'Purple Rain' premiere and glitzy party in Hollywood
Prince didn't talk but Eddie Murphy, Lionel Richie and other stars gushed about the movie.
40 fun facts about 'Purple Rain' as Prince's triumph marks its 40th anniversary
The movie and soundtrack arrived in the summer of 1984 and changed Minneapolis 4ever.
Jon Bream's original 1984 review of 'Purple Rain'
It's a cinematic valentine to Minneapolis without ever mentioning the city by name.
Country music is cool again: 'It's the summer of yeehaw'
Newer artists like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan are attracting new fans via new platforms.
6 cool things in music this week include Dessa, Donny Osmond and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Shoutouts, too, to Lucinda Williams, Jacob Collier and the Electric Fetus.
Why is Morgan Wallen so big?
From embracing social media to courting controversy, he's made savvy moves to land at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Ashley McBryde heads to Winstock festival without whiskey
She's sober but she'll still deliver her drinking songs at Minnesota's big little country music hoedown.
Scene Maker Q+A: New director puts out fire for Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Dayna Martinez quickly replaced injured Regina Carter for the free event featuring 80 artists.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Concert highlights for June 13-19 include Connie Han, Iron & Wine, Winstock, the Pryes Block Party and two very different Jacksons.
Review: Rock god Robert Plant trumps bluegrass queen Alison Krauss at Mystic Lake
The super-duo's reimagining of Led Zeppelin and Americana songs made for a rewarding Twin Cities debut.
6 cool things in music this week include Deadhead Bill Walton, Madeleine Peyroux and history of Flyt Tyme
Shout-outs, too, to Joyann Parker, Shady Cove and Marinero.
Donny Osmond says no to Marie, yes to Minneapolis
He's bringing his Vegas show here Sunday, surveying his six-decade career.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for June 6-12 include Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Noah Kahan, Lucinda Williams, Melanie Martinez, Orville Peck and Burning Spear.
Before her Minneapolis farewell concert, Tyka Nelson spills the tea on her brother Prince
"How are you really?" she asked him near the end. He wouldn't answer her directly.
6 cool things in music this week include Noah Kahan, Bob Dylan and Rolling Stone investigation of Sean Combs
Shoutouts, too, to Hippo Campus, Viva Knievel and the Current's Block Rockin' Weekend.
Minnesota's top outdoor concerts this summer, and where to find them
New venues, a big, new festival and some newly revived old haunts add to a wide array of options for music lovers to head outside.
Scene Makers Q+A: 'Snowman' the saxophone showman plays with many Twin Cities bands
The legally blind musician gigs with Chase & Ovation, Frogleg and others.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for May 30-June 5 include Humbird and Davina release parties, John Moreland, Frank Turner and a choral Prince tribute.
Review: Mexican music hero Luis Miguel channels Elvis in triumphant Target Center show
He touched on 33 songs in various styles in a performance with heightened drama.
6 cool things in music this week include Kid Rock, 'Stereophonic' on Broadway and Live Nation/Ticketmaster lawsuit
Shoutouts, too, to Patreon, Katie Pruitt, Ghost-Note and Don Was & Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
Review: Willie Nelson, on the road again, is in fine form on a crisp night in Duluth
The country legend's heartfelt voice and expressive guitar spoke volumes in a first-rate hourlong concert.
Scene Makers Q+A: Pamela McNeill will sing at the Dakota in Minneapolis
The veteran of Twin Cities tribute bands will offer an evening of original material.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for May 23-29 include Willie Nelson, Luis Miguel, the Caterwaul fest, Mac McAnally and Echo & the Bunnymen.
T-Wolves tips: How to ride the Minnesota sports roller coaster
This team has us going up and down and spinning around. How should we handle this week? Here are some tips.
Behind-the-scenes superstar Don Was to world-premiere his new band in Minneapolis
The Pan-Detroit Ensemble is jazzy with a funky groove "but ain't nothing smooth about it."
Prince-endorsed Kandace Springs to replace Regina Carter at Twin Cities Jazz Festival on June 22
The celebrated violinist is suffering from repetitive strain injury.
6 cool things in music this week include Todd Rundgren, Kamasi Washington and Amy Winehouse biopic
Shoutouts, too, to "MJ the Musical," Caroline Rose and Record Store Day.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for May 16-22 include the Secret Sisters, Billy Strings, LCD Soundsystem, the Decemberists, Don Was and Portugal. The Man.
Review: Megan Thee Stallion didn't rap much, but she sure twerked at Target Center
The kickoff of her inaugural arena headline tour was energetic and entertaining in Minneapolis.
Minnesota State Fair free stages will present Semisonic, the War & Treaty and Marky Ramone in 2024
More than 60 musical acts include many from the Gopher State as well as Texas, Louisiana and elsewhere.
6 cool things in music this week include Steve Albini, Cornbread Harris and Sierra Ferrell
Shoutouts, too, to Zacc Harris, Larry McDonough and Bob Dylan tribute band.
Prince's 'Purple Rain' coat to be displayed for free at Minnesota History Center
It's part of a parade of things to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Minneapolis icon's movie.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for May 9-15 include Kamasi Washington, Megan Thee Stallion, Trey Anastasio, Teezo Touchdown and Minnesota Tango Music Festival.
Live Nation is offering $25 tickets to 65 Twin Cities concerts
This week's limited deal includes Janet Jackson, Pink, Luke Bryan, Gunna, Vampire Weekend and the Kid Laroi.
Review: Kenny Chesney gets overamped in familiar show at Vikings stadium
Veterans Zac Brown Band and Nashville newcomer Megan Moroney impress as Kenny Chesney's openers.
6 cool things in music this week include Rolling Stones, Nicki Minaj and 'Civil War' soundtrack
Shoutouts, too, to Khruangbin, "Freaknik" and David Foster with Katharine McPhee.
Scene Makers Q+A: University of Minnesota professor explains his course about Prince
His goal is not to create Prince fans but to help students understand why the Purple One matters.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights from May 2-8 include Judas Priest, Belle & Sebastian, Kenny Chesney, Robyn Hitchcock, Daniel Lanois and Ber.
Heartthrob crooner Stephen Sanchez is headed to Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 31
Evoking Elvis and Orbison, he had women swooning at First Avenue. Tickets go on sale Friday.
David Foster and Katharine McPhee, the Sonny & Cher of power ballads, head to Minneapolis
The hit producer and "American Idol" runner-up make beautiful music as a married couple.
Is this the last time for the Rolling Stones live? Not the way Mick carries on.
The band opened its North American tour in Houston on Sunday night.
Review: Sierra Ferrell wows sold-out First Avenue with her refreshingly quirky country sounds
The rising West Virginia Americana star evoked Dolly Parton with less vibrato and garishness.
6 cool things in music this week include Billie Eilish, Lzzy Hale and Leslie Odom Jr.
Shoutouts, too, to Homegrown Music Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Lou Reed tribute album.
