Last Thursday night, we had the opportunity to check out Umphrey's McGee at First Avenue.  I can't even tell you how pumped I was before we even got there.  UM puts on one of the best live shows I have seen live and I love First Ave.


For those of you that are unfamiliar with Umphrey's, I am truly sorry.  They are so much more than just a "Jam Band".  The energy, style and talent on stage is undoubtedly some of the best in live music.  From indoor venues to outdoor festivals, UM delivers a show that will have you mesmerized by an amazing light show and dancing to the beat.

First Ave was packed to the gills when we arrived just before 9:00.  The band was about to take the stage and there was no hope of getting within 50 feet of the stage.  The dance floor was solid with an eagerly awaiting crowd.  They kicked off their first set with some vintage Umphrey's and got the whole place singing along as several of the long-time fan favorites came pouring out of the speakers.  Mix in a little fog and copious amount of lights and lasers, and we were off an running.

Here are a couple of vids from the show.  Sorry for the quality, camera upgrade in the works...

Digging deep into their bag of tricks, we get a little dark and heavy.  We dig it!

They laid down two killer sets:

Missed them this time around?  There will be other opportunities...   Check out their full calendar...  Trust me, these guys are a "MUST SEE".

Last Saturday night, we had the chance to catch a show at the House of Rock in Eau Claire, WI.  Savannah Smith and The Ditchrunners opened for 4ontheFloor, and it was a pretty sweet line-up.

4otF getting set up at House of Rock Eau Claire.

One may ask themselves, can you say anything bad about 4otf?  My answer is "no"!  Once again they put on a foot stomping steller performance. They seem to always impress with there different takes on songs that everyone knows. 4otf is always solid and the bands that open don't hurt either, I would suggest a getting a ticket to their next show and try it out for yourself.


One of the best parts of the local music scene, is the "local" part.  Most performers are normal folks having a good time, just like the rest of us.  I happened across the drummer of 4otf and had a conversation about MN Underground and what we are trying to accomplish. The video that I often show my friends is them filming Junkie at The Current studios in Minneapolis, he told me that it is a bad example of them in concert, my opinion differs. We proceed to argue about the Packers current lucky streak with good quarterbacks and the Vikings struggle to find one. I will delve no further into that subject. All in all, the fact that the band members mingle with the crowd before there show is a prime example of why everyone who can should give the local bars a shot. You never know who you can meet.

Friends and family from all over come home for Thanksgiving.  You get to see people you haven't seen in years (sometimes that's just the way you like it).  The night before thanksgiving is notoriously a busy night at the local pub. Every bar in town is crammed to the gills and you just don't know what to do.  For the last (I'm not sure how many) years, our crew has been at the same party, DRINKSGIVING!
Famous Dave's in Calhoun Square Uptown plays host to a party unlike anything you will find at your neighborhood drinking hole.  From 8pm 'til 2am, you get great music and the drinks are flowing.  The opening bands change from year to year, but one thing remains constant, White Iron Band closes out the show and they enjoy this show as much as anyone.  If you are unfamiliar with WIB, they are a uniquely Minnesota version of hillbilly rock.  In their own words they are a "high-energy renegade American roots band specializing in foot-stomping, forget-what-troubles-ya music"  Minnesota Pride radiates from the stage and a version of Rock with a Country twist gets even the most stoic Scandinavians on their feet.  You can't help but love these guys.  



Each year the crowd at Drinksgiving is a little different and a little bigger.  The place was absolutely packed this year with not a seat in the house from about 9:30 on.  Making your way to the bar could be a bit of a challenge, but Bud and PBR tall boys could be obtained from a number of locations for quick refills.  

So, if you have to entertain family next year (and maybe looking for a place a little too loud for hours of converstion) look no further.  It will be the best $8 you spend all year.