Just found a young DJ that is just 18 years-old and a freshman at the University of Iowa... Brandon Stogsdill, aka DJ Stogs, is dropping tracks well beyond his years. Check out his collection of electro/house mashups and original productions. I'm betting we'll see more from this kid in the near future... Really diggin' "I'm Boneless and Famous", killer track...
Just days after releasing their new EP "Black Out Days", Phantogram dropped by Minneapolis to play a show for a Sold Out First Avenue last night. Being a fan since their debut album "Eyelid Movies" and having caught their show last time through town , I was excited to see them again.
The show started off really slow. I know audiences here in MN aren't known for being crazy, but this was about as stoic and underwhelmed a packed First Ave as I had ever seen. After a handful of songs the duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter dug into their archives and dropped "Mouthful of Diamonds" on the crowd which seemed to zap some life into everyone, and the once melancholy audience was now rocking the roof off the place.
Tracks off the new EP were well received, with "Black Out Days" setting the tone for the next hour. From there they went on to close out their set with a pounding rendition of "When I'm Small" which reminded any Phantogram fan what made them love this band in the first place. Synth heavy rock with a thumping bass beat and a style imitated but never quite duplicated. Barely leaving the stage, they returned for their encore to a frenzied light show and the track "Celebrate Nothing" off the new EP. They wrapped up the show with "Futuristic Casket" leaving little doubt that they just love to rock hard.
They may not be very chatty from stage, but Sarah did give the fans a "Thank You Minneapolis, We love it here"... Well Sarah, We (I) love you guys too, please come back soon!
After a number of years of close partnership, with several shows a month being booked and promoted by the legendary Minneapolis club, the owners of First Avenue have come to an agreement and the Turf Club will be under their management as of October 15th. The long-time St. Paul music staple hosting acts of all sorts, and voted "Best Country Music Venue" by City Pages, will see upgrades but keep the club's vibe.
Let us hear your thoughts... Is this a good thing for the Turf? What do you think?
Here is First Avenue's official release:
First Avenue is excited to announce we have entered into a purchase agreement with the Turf Club and will take over as acting managers of the St. Paul, MN venue on October 15, 2013.
As a venue with our own rich and distinct history, we recognize the importance of embracing and maintaining what makes the Turf Club a gem of the Twin Cities. While we plan to keep the charm of the club, we will also be investing significantly in improvements to the venue. And don't worry; we love the Clown Lounge as much as you do - it's not going anywhere.
"I'm really excited to see the next era of the Turf Club with the team coming in from First Avenue. While I am looking forward to some new investment, I'm confident it will carry on the tradition of the Saint Paul Music Club started by Rob and Leah Rule that made it such a treasure" said St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.
"After eight years of owning and operating this club I wouldn't just hand it off to any buyers. I've worked closely with First Ave over the years and have seen firsthand what they're capable of," said current Turf Club owner, Tom Scanlon. "I haven't flinched in entrusting the club to First Avenue and I'm excited to see its continued success. "
Building on our 13 years of successful booking and promoting of shows at the Turf Club, we're excited to continue to bring emerging national bands and favorite local acts to St. Paul. "Whether promoting or enjoying a show, I have spent countless nights at the Turf Club and could not be more excited about this new venture," said Nate Kranz, General Manager of First Avenue.
To celebrate 10 years of TBT, the band booked 3 shows at First Avenue in April of this year. All 3 sold out in a matter of hours. To commemorate the events, TBT is releasing their first "Live" album, "Live at First Avenue" on November 12th. Available in CD/DVD, LP/DVD or MP3 formats, and loaded with extras, this is one of those releases you simply NEED to add to your collection. Like any good band, TBT's live shows are something altogether grander than a studio produced album. Add to that their own love of the venue and playing in front of a hometown (ok, home state) audience, and you have a recipe for greatness. We were at one of the 3 shows and it was arguably the best TBT show I have seen. Plus, they are out just in time for Holiday shopping. Nothing like a little TBT under the tree...
Prince is opening the gates to his Chanhassen estate, Paisley Park, to the public. I'm not sure when the last time it was that Prince let us common folks on the grounds, but it seems like it's been quite a while. Consider this an official re-introduction party for the New Power Generation.
In addition to a performance by the New Power Generation, you can expect to see Prince along with the all female trio 3rd Eye Girl. This will bring a funky-raw flavor to the evening with their harder rock riffs and Prince sitting in on the vocals. It definitely evokes a Purple Rain era prince with a punk-pop flavor, in my opinion. Rumor has it that 3rd Eye Girl has been collaborating with Janelle Monae lately and without a current tour seeing her wander up on stage is a very real possibility.
by Amy Nelson @TwinCities.com |
Prince, the New Power Generation, & 3rdEyeGirl at Paisley Park.
$50 donation at the door. NO ADVANCE TICKETS.
Doors at 9 p.m., Saturday, October 5.
Paisley Park Studios, 7801 Audubon Rd., Chanhassen.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, no cell phones, no cameras, no reentry.
Update: Limited parking on-site, and traffic will be directed to overflow lots once it fills.
Just weeks after the release of their critically acclaimed new album, "World Boogie is Coming", the North Mississippi Allstars made a stop in Minneapolis to an eager Cabooze audience. After all the praise the album had been getting, I had to check it out. I was not disappointed, and their live show was on another plane altogether.
As soon as I walked into the Cabooze and had one look at the stage I know I was going to enjoy the evening ahead. There was a rack holding at least 8 guitars; how can this be a bad thing. From early on in the show, these guitars got heavy use. From "Goin' Down South" (video above) to "Rollin' and Tumblin'" played on a coffee can guitar and "Mississippi Boll Weevil" rocked on a cigar box guitar, I have never seen a rotation like it before. These guys rocked the Hill Blues well beyond my expectations and if you weren't dancing your legs must have been broken because it was infectious, you couldn't help yourself. All night long you got an ear full of Rock/Blues with a solid beat, which was at times provided by guest drummer Carl "Stud" White, who looked about 16 years old but wailed on the drums.
If you missed North Mississippi Allstars this time around, I'm sorry. DO NOT let it happen again. This was one of those shows I walked in the doors expecting a good time and walked out a complete fan. The level of skill, soul and pride these guys have in their art is tough to compete with. Plus, who doesn't love going to a show that absolutely rocks out and literally everyone in the place is dancing their socks off??? I for one, am totally hooked... Until next time.
Set List:
01. Shimmy >
02. My Babe >
03. Station Blues
04. Turn Up Satan
05. Rollin 'N Tumblin
06. Goin To Brownsville
07. Boogie
08. Hodown
09. Meet Me In The City
10. Bad Luck City
11. Mississippi Bollweevil >
12. Beautiful Dreamer tease
13. Psychedelic Sex Machine >
14. Mystery Train
15. Shake
16. JR
17. Goat Meat
18. Mean Ol' Wind Died Down
19. The Meeting
20. Shake Em On Down
21. World Boogie
22. Po Black Maddie >
23. Skinny Woman
24. KC Jones
25. Granny, Does Your Dog Bite
Encore:
01. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
02. Goin Down South
03. Snake Drive
04. Hear My Train A Comin
05. Tree You Got Hands
06. All Night Long
07. ML
It is no secret that I am a fan of the Electro-Jam band scene. Bands like Umphrey's McGee and Sound Tribe Sector 9 are on a very regular rotation on the trusty iPod. At this year's Summer Set Music Festival I was introduced to another band contributing to that genre, Papadosio. These guys jam hard and have a sound anyone from the Jam Band or Electro scenes will appreciate.
When I saw their name pop up on the Cabooze's calendar it was an easy decision, I was going. We arrived at about 9:00 for the show. Doors opened at 8:00, so I thought we would be right on time. When we walked through the doors we were two of about 20 people in the place. Needless to say, we were both shocked and unimpressed. Over the next hour or so our faith in the MN music scene was restored however because the place had filled up quite a bit.
Earthcry opened, which turned out the be Anthony from Papadosio making his own music and is said to contain "solfeggio frequencies which are known to aid the human
condition". It definitely worked because the whole crowd was entranced with earthy bass tones the rising and falling waves of his ever present tuning
fork and the spectacular light show. Wishing for more, Anthony departed the stage
with the crowd ready and waiting.
By now there were quite a few people there, still the emptiest we have
ever seen the Cabooze for a Saturday night show in a very long time. For those of you that didn't come out missed out on a great
performance. With custom made graphics and the ability to take their fans on a
musical journey every time they grace the stage this is surely a band you can't
miss out on. Papa's brand of funky, jam laden, dance rock is something you simply need to experience to truly appreciate. They have an incredible sense of their audience and amp up or tone down their sets to match or drive the audience. Seeing them on a stage like that of The Cabooze made this even more noticeable, especially compared to a huge festival stage. Once on board, hang on and be prepared for a ride.
So, if you see Papadosio pop up on the calendar in your neck of the woods, do not miss the chance to take the ride. You won't be disappointed.