Two very different but equally commendable Minneapolis concerts have been hastily put together to raise money for Japan's relief efforts. The first, organized by local blues vet Paul Metsa, takes places over two nights next Monday and Tuesday at Rudolph's BBQ, a unique and cool place for such a show. Monday's lineup includes Curtiss A, Robert Wilkinson (Flaming Oh's), Dave Babb (Liquor Pigs), Steve Kaul (Brass Kings), Dan Newton (Cafe Accordion Orchestra), Papa John Kolstad, Paul Mayasich, Lonnie Knight, Martin Devaney, Metsa's Cats Under the Stars and many more. Tuesday will feature Metsa with Sonny Earl, Sherwin Linton, J.D. Steele, Bobby Vandell, Mary Jane Alm, Kevin Bowe, Terry Walsh (Belfast Cowboys), Nicholas Mrozinkski (the Feelin'), Mary Cutrufello, Mick Sterling and more. Suggested donation each night will be $10, and the shows will run 5 p.m.-midnight. All proceeds go to the Red Cross.
The Twin Cities punk scene's own beloved Japanese imports, the Birthday Suits, are fittingly heading up their own fundraiser at the Triple Rock on April 1 (also $10). The lineup there will be Pink Mink, the Gateway District (members of Soviettes, Rivethead, Banner Pilot) and Still Pacific. I'll hold the earthquake analogies, as I'm sure Pink Mink will refrain from playing "Earthquake on the Loose," but suffice it to say it should be a hard-hitting show.
