Tom Edelstein of Eagan:
1 Bob Weir and the Wolf Bros, the Palace. Deadheads could really appreciate Weir's incredible guitar playing and well-aged vocals whether singing his own tunes or a Dylan cover. Weir could probably coax music out of a 7-iron. And being with my daughter made the concert that much more special.
2 Felix Cavaliere, the Dakota. The Rascals singer-keyboardist is 76, but sounds like he's 26! What fun listening to many of my old favorite '60s hits. His voice is soulful and he's still "groovin'." It was a "beautiful" evening.
3 Average White Band, the Dakota. AWB played a short but sweet set. They were tight, vocals were strong and I could tell they were having a good time.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 "Separating Art From the Artist," Billboard magazine. The music-biz bible does a deep dive in the wake of HBO's culture-shaking Michael Jackson documentary, "Leaving Neverland." They talk to director Dan Reed and accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck plus many industry experts including lawyers, executives, publicists, promoters, critics and fans about potential ramifications and impact. Sales and programming data also provide post-doc reaction. Billboard even addresses industry complacency, including a #MeToo essay by Rosanne Cash. There are more questions than definitive answers.
2 Marilyn Maye, Crooners. The 90-year-old cabaret queen had impeccable timing whether delivering zingers or phrasing lyrics with poignant pauses as she interpreted the Great American Songbook. What a marvelous entertainer.
3 St. Paul and the Broken Bones, the Palace. Even though he was in his namesake city, Paul Janeway reined in his dancing and showmanship a bit, but his vocals remain strikingly soulful even as he moves away from the Stax sounds that established him. He's evolving with purpose and style.
