You know those old, reliable restaurants that you love going to, but you always wind up trying some hot new place instead? The same goes for local musical talents. We take our stars for granted. We shouldn't. So we're shining a light on a half-dozen acts who perform fairly regularly around town -- and sometimes the nation and world, too. We made a point of catching up on each of them recently, and fell in love all over again.
CONNIE EVINGSON
Back story: After growing up in a jazz-loving household in Hibbing, she earned a degree in speech communication at the University of Minnesota, studied dance and then started singing in Twin Cities jazz clubs in the 1980s. She soon joined forces with pianist/arranger Sanford Moore's Moore by Four and they've worked in various combinations ever since -- at jazz clubs, local theaters and festivals from Stockholm to Tokyo.
Main hangs: Jungle Theater (April 10), Dakota Jazz Club.
Latest album: "Little Did I Dream: Songs of Dave Frishberg" (2006).
Website: ConnieEvingson.com
What you get: She's quintessentially Minnesotan -- a sublime mixture of ice and fire. Her seductively dusky voice melts her instinctive Scandinavian demeanor. She is remarkably versatile and determinedly adventurous, whether reimagining Beatles songs, doing gypsy jazz or performing with the likes of Garrison Keillor or the Toronto Symphony. It's not surprising that she's been recognized by the Smithsonian, National Public Radio and the McKnight Foundation.
Says who: "She is the consummate musician," says frequent co-singer Ginger Commodore. "After so many years with Moore by Four, we joke with her that she can't go back to her Lutheran church shouting 'Amen, hallelujah' in the middle of the service. They just might not understand."
CARNAGE
Back story: One of the great perseverance stories in the local hip-hop scene. Terrell Woods' troubled childhood found him in foster care and stealing food and clothes while his mom suffered through addictions. He's now a social worker by day, which partly explains why it took so long to put out his first full-length album. He also has been busy performing with near-sister Desdamona in Ill Chemistry, and he used to flow with his late pal Eyedea in Face Candy.