Music
December 2, 2020
Bob Dylan, shown in 1974, became friends with Minnesota musician Tony Glover in the 1960s.

Was Bob Dylan's bar mitzvah rehearsal tape discovered in a Hibbing church?

A U.K. Dylan fan website claims a Hibbing pastor unearthed this 1954 recording, but here is the real story.
Music
December 2, 2020
Craig Finn and Tad Kubler in 2014 when the Hold Steady opened for some long-gone band at a now-demolished baseball stadium in St. Paul.

Hold Steady teases new album ahead of 'Massive' virtual marathon

The band's eighth LP 'Open Door Policy' was recorded ahead of the pandemic.
Music
November 29, 2020
First Avenue mask

15 holiday gifts for music lovers: Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan and more

The lack of concerts in 2020 only adds to the appetite for music-related presents.
Music
November 27, 2020
Ali Elabbady photo by Adam J Dunn

6 cool things in music this week include Open Mike Eagle, Megan Thee Stallion

Local DJ and web series host Ali Elabbady contributes his picks along with our critic.
Music
November 26, 2020
A vinyl copy of Prince's album "One Night Alone" sat among the records in Noiseland Industries' library.

Minneapolis company Noiseland is cranking in 2020 with Dylan, AC/DC, Fiona Apple records

One small Minneapolis company plays a big role in getting vinyl to stores worldwide.
Music
November 26, 2020
The Jayhawks will perform 1997's "Sound of Lies" in its entirety.

Virtual entertainment picks: Nutcracker, more Nutcracker and the Jayhawks

Local
November 25, 2020
From left, violinists Steven Copes and Kyu-Young Kim, cellist Julie Albers and violist Maiya Papach performed during a recent St. Paul Chamber Orchest

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra suspends livestream concerts due to 'rampaging' COVID

The move comes two weeks after the nonprofit canceled a performance after someone directly involved with the livestream tested positive for the virus.
Music
November 25, 2020
BTS accepted the award for favorite pop/rock duo or group at the American Music Awards.

Album reviews: BTS lets it 'Be' while Nick Cave offers an 'Idiot Prayer'

Music
November 24, 2020
Twin Cities guitarist Cory Wong is up for best new age album with his buddy Jon Batiste from "Late Show With Stephen Colbert."

Cory Wong, Okee Dokees among Minnesota nominees for 2021 Grammys

The Minneapolitan-fronted band Big Thief and semi-local Bon Iver are also up for trophies in the Jan. 31 ceremony.
Local
November 24, 2020
In this Aug. 22, 1980, file photo, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono arrive at the Hit Factory, a recording studio in New York City.

John Lennon tribute will shine on as First Ave's first livestreamed concert

Curtiss A will lead a scaled-back version of his 41st annual show without an audience Dec. 8.
Music
November 24, 2020
The temporarily closed retail space at Paisley Park in Chanhassen will be replicated at the Mall of America.

'Purple Rain' on Black Friday: MOA to welcome new Paisley Park store

The satellite shop near the east rotunda will fill in while the real Paisley Park is closed due to COVID restrictions.
Music
November 24, 2020
William Eddins led a scaled-down Minnesota Orchestra Friday in Beethoven's First Symphony. Minnesota Orchestra

A pandemic landmark for Minnesota Orchestra: its first symphony since March

REVIEW: Beethoven capped a joyful livestream by Minnesota Orchestra.
Movies
November 23, 2020
Kevin Smith and Jason Mews of "Jay and Silent Bob" fame at a previous pop-up installment of Mooby's.

Kevin Smith's pop-up restaurant Mooby's to open in First Ave's Depot Tavern

The fictional fast-food joint from Smith's "Clerks" movies will sell takeout only Dec. 12-18.
Music
November 23, 2020
"I wanted to get outside myself," Mason Jennings said of when he and Stone Gossard started working on Painted Sheild's debut album, out Friday.

Mason Jennings, Stone Gossard 'off and running' in new band Painted Shield

Minnesota music mainstay Mason Jennings and Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard launch their new band Painted Shield with 1,700 miles of social distancing.
Music
November 21, 2020
Taylor Swift danced across the We Fest stage in 2008 back when she was still wearing cowgirl boots.

We Fest will return to Detroit Lakes in 2021 after planned hiatus

Music
November 21, 2020
Stapleton

6 cool things in music this week include Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Black country singers and Chris Stapleton

Music
November 20, 2020
Tony Glover interviewing Jimi and Noel Redding (Experience bassist) when they played the Minneapolis Auditorium on Nov. 2, 1968. The photo is part of

Tony Glover's trove of Bob Dylan items sold for $495k total

The late Twin Cities music legend's trove of memorabilia was put up for auction last week.
Music
November 20, 2020
The Blenders Photo provided

COVID didn't steal Christmas concerts: Streaming shows in the Twin Cities

Minnesota musicians have planned streamed performances and some treats.
Music
November 20, 2020
FILE - This March 14, 2019 file photo shows Garth Brooks performing at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles. Brooks is holding a concert in Nas

Promoting 'Fun,' Garth Brooks talks politics, pandemic and George Floyd

With his new album, the country megastar offers comfort food during the pandemic.
Music
November 20, 2020
Leo Kottke's latest album, "Noon" with Phish bassist Mike Gordon, "woke up the recording appetite in me."

At age 75, Minnesota guitar hero Leo Kottke releases a new album with Phish bassist

Minneapolis guitar hero Leo Kottke is missing his 40th annual Thanksgiving concert, but celebrating his first album in 15 years.

Music

Complete coverage of music, concert and album reviews from the Minnesota and national music scenes.