Recent content from Jon Bream
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for April 25-May 1 include Nicki Minaj, Sierra Ferrell, Fred Armisen, Cornbread Harris, Alejandro Escovedo and David Foster with Katharine McPhee.
How the Goo Goo Dolls learned the music biz from Minneapolis bands
The "Iris" hitmakers will headline the PACER Center benefit Saturday at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Review: Tim McGraw was on all night like a porch light at the Xcel Center
His hit-filled show in St. Paul included unexpected dancing (well, sort of) and an impressive video wall.
Review: Country star Kane Brown disappoints at Target Center
Compared to two years ago in Minneapolis, he was slicker and less personal in a too-short concert.
Review: Our critic and a 13-year-old Swiftie discuss Taylor Swift's new album
The megastar released her 11th LP at midnight and then, two hours later, dropped 15 additional songs.
Prince's sister Tyka Nelson will give her farewell performance at the Dakota
The part-time singer will be joined by former Prince associates for the concert on his birthday.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for April 18-24 include Kane Brown, Waxahatchee, Royel Otis, Tim McGraw and Leslie Odom Jr.
NPG vets Michael Bland and Sonny Thompson extend their brotherhood into a post-Prince duo
They will celebrate their new single and music of the Purple One in an all-star concert on Saturday.
6 cool things in music this week include Maggie Rogers, Bruce Springsteen and Rolling Stones
Shoutouts, too, to Raul Malo, Ducks Ltd. and the Smile.
Scene Makers Q+A: Jennifer Grimm balances nightclub life as singer, booker and mother
She hires 700-some acts a year at Crooners and performs about three shows a week around Minnesota.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for April 11-17 include Marshmello, Joe Satriani with Steve Vai, AJR, the Staves, Bernard Allison and Shemekia Copeland.
Review: Country superstar Chris Stapleton shows it's about the conviction, not the showmanship
Opening act Lainey Wilson demonstrated in Minneapolis why her time has arrived.
Review: Country duo Dan + Shay's lovefest resumes in St. Paul
The incurable romantics shared their emotions with each other and a sold-out crowd.
Review: Jazz giant Herbie Hancock plays the funky rock star in Minneapolis
Backed by five stellar musicians, the veteran keyboardist reimagined material from mostly the 1970s.
6 cool things in music this week include Waxahatchee, Peter Frampton and 'The Lion King'
Shoutouts, too, to Sierra Ferrell, LA LOM and Béla Fleck.
Scene Makers Q+A: Xcel Energy Center GM Kelly McGrath thinks country crowds, not Wild fans, drink more beer
The new arena boss dishes on Olivia Rodrigo, Pearl Jam and Target Center.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for April 4-10 include Herbie Hancock, Chris Stapleton, Fall Out Boy, Dan + Shay, Nur-D and the Last Dinner Party.
6 cool things in music this week include Bon Jovi, Leela James and Lizzy McAlpine
Shoutouts, too, to Rochester Thaw fest and Ledge Amphitheater.
Review: 7 first impressions of Beyoncé's new 'Cowboy Carter' album
It's not a country record but an often appealing gumbo of musical styles tossed into a Queen Bey blender.
Despite crippling disease diagnosis, rock star Peter Frampton comes alive again
Eyeing a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he heads to Minneapolis with revamped guitar moves.
Dance-music festival will be the first concert at Allianz Field in St. Paul
Illenium and Kaskade will headline the two-day EDM affair, with tickets on sale Friday.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights for March 28-April 3 include Deerhoof, Peter Frampton, Pam Tillis, Erik Koskinen and LA LOM.
Popular MyTalk 107.1 hosts Lori and Julia announce their surprise retirement
They shared the news on the radio Tuesday because Lori Barghini wants more time to "fart around."
St. Paul guitarist Billy Larson, 'a Kmart Keith Richards,' dies of brain cancer
The proud St. Paul East Sider was co-founder of the Minnesota Music Café.
![Hip hop artist Nur-D, aka Matt Allen, photographed in the Star Tribune studio in Minneapolis Thursday, February 3, 2022. ] JEFF WHEELER • Jeff.Wh](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XUOIDMTJNLV6AD2YRAKMNIY5KE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Wild Nights at Minnesota Zoo will feature Nur-D, Caitlyn Smith, more
Two locally connected acts will perform on each of five nights this summer.
6 cool things in music this week include Jimmy Page, Judith Hill and JJ Grey
Shoutouts, too, to Mae Simpson Band, Radiooooo app and punkademic.com.
Scene Makers Q&A: Local Celtic rockers Boiled in Lead are 'the youngest 40-year-old band ever'
The revamped Twin Cities quartet will celebrate a new live album on Saturday at the Parkway.
The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
Highlights from March 21-27 include Sleater-Kinney, Valerie June, Leela James and the Rochester Thaw.
Review: Who was louder in St. Paul: Olivia Rodrigo or her overexuberant fans?
The 21-year-old sensation proved to be the kind of rock star we didn't know we needed.
6 cool things in music include Ryan Gosling, Billie Eilish and Bob Dylan
Shoutouts, too, to Peso Pluma, Otoboke Beaver, Delfeayo Marsalis and Record Store Day.
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.
6 cool things in music this week include Jason Isbell, Aoife O'Donovan and Liam Gallagher
Shoutouts, too, to Las Migas, Thomas Walsh and the Hanging Stars.
Scene Makers Q&A: Minnesota guitar guru gives free guitars to kids
Terry Esau says the instruments help those ages 10 to 16 express themselves.
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.
Radio vet Brian Oake talks about his surprise firing, and his Cities 97.1 bosses have no explanation
Nevertheless, he will continue as a weekly guest on sister station KFAN.
6 cool things in music this week include Victoria Victoria, Lolo's Ghost and Winter Jazz Festival
Shoutouts, too, to Becky Kapell, Annie and the Bang Bang and Don't Rock the Inbox.
Veteran Minneapolis rocker Tina Schlieske celebrates 'the good life' of jazz standards
She will showcase her new album Friday at Icehouse in her hometown.
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.
6 cool things in music this week include Lainey Wilson, U2 and Beyoncé
Shoutouts, too, to Damien Rice, Sullivan Fortner and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
Review: Jon Batiste brings joyful noise in extraordinary First Avenue debut
The Grammy- and Oscar-winning showman literally got lost in the crowd.
Longtime Twin Cities radio voice Brian Oake let go by Cities 97.1
KDWB's Zach Dillon will move to Oake's afternoon slot.
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.
Review: Latin pop icons present an exciting cultural happening in St. Paul
Ricky Martin, Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias teamed up for a show before 14,000 dancing fans.
Tony Bennett's San Francisco: The restaurants, landmarks and hangouts the late crooner frequented
The singer's widow gave us a list of his favorite places in the city where he left his heart.
6 cool things in music this week include Beyoncé, Daryl Hall and Bob Marley biopic
Shoutouts, too, to Black Violin, Abraham Alexander and Ryan Smith.
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.
Review: Madonna turns into Queen of Nostalgia in St. Paul
Her 40-year retrospective had charismatic personality, innovative staging but not her own bravura dancing.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are headed to Mystic Lake Casino on June 7
Tickets for the Grammy-grabbing duo will go on sale Friday.
Lake Street Dive singer will bring her 'quieter' band to Minneapolis
Rachael & Vilray offer original jazz with a 1930s and '40s vibe.
Our critic handicaps the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees
Cher, Sade, Mariah and Sinead lead the first-time finalists.
A dazzling Usher dances his way to Super Bowl halftime triumph
He was joined by guests Alicia Keys, Ludacris, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am and Lil Jon.
6 cool things in music this week include the Grammys, Jovonta Patton and 'We Are the World' doc
Shoutouts, too, to Juice Lord, Joshua Redman and Lucian Grainge on AI.
Why is Madonna tardy to her own concerts?
We look at Lauryn Hill, Guns N' Roses, George Jones and other late-to-the-stage stars.
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.
Remembering Toby Keith: Bluster, beer and horse sense
The late country superstar was a misunderstood conservative, pro-troops Democrat.
Taylor Swift sets a record with latest triumph at the Grammys
Swift sets a record and announces a new album while Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish get their flowers.
Review: Nothing but praise for Jovonta Patton's gospel music at First Avenue
With help from his family, the chart-topping Minneapolis singer raised hometown spirits.
6 cool things in music this week include Justin Timberlake, Cécile McLorin Salvant and the Wunz
Shoutouts, too, to Heywood and Hull Duo and Big Pink's Last Waltz.
Will the Grammys stop Taylor Swift's juggernaut?
She could set records if she wins album, song or record of the year on Sunday.
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.
6 cool things in music this week include Travis Scott, Vijay Iyer and Barbra Streisand's memoir
Shoutouts, too, to Shelby Lynne, MyTalk 107.1 and a Billy Joel tribute show.
Review: Sad and sultry Shelby Lynne seduces with Dusty Springfield songs
By special request, the Americana veteran is dusting off her 2008 tribute at the Dakota for two nights.
Remembering Jon Pankake: A Grammy-winning folk scholar and early critic of Bob Dylan
His job was advising University of Minnesota students, but he gave Dylan unsolicited advice.
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.
Pink will soar again at Xcel Energy Center on Oct. 18
After rocking Target Field last year, she'll bring her aerial gymnastics indoors with tickets going on sale this week.
Goo Goo Dolls will headline annual PACER benefit
The rocker of "Iris" fame will perform April 27 at Minneapolis Convention Center.
6 cool things in music this week include 'Funny Girl' star, Jelly Roll and Kurt Elling
Shoutouts, too, to St. Paul Peterson, John Pizzarelli and Erin Schwab with Jay Fuchs.
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.
6 cool things in music this week include Jelly Roll, Lenny Kravitz and Prince on Broadway
Shoutouts, too, to Rosanne Cash and "American Idol" faves Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.
Some highlights for cellist Rebecca Arons — rock concerts, musicals and recordings
She has worked with everyone from the Eagles to Ed Sheeran, from ballet to Broadway shows.
We go into the orchestra pit with Minnesota musicians who play for touring musicals and rock bands
Cellist Rebecca Arons hires players for Broadway shows, ballets and concerts by the Eagles and Ed Sheeran.
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.
6 cool things in music this week include Green Day, Paul Anka and Let It Be Records
Shoutouts, too, to the New Standards, the Bad Plus and Julianna Riolino.
