A killer light show is the unsung hero of Umphrey's peerless live experience.

​Umphrey's McGee
First Avenue, Minneapolis
Friday, February 3, 2012

In the midst of the house crashing down around us during Umphrey's bone-crunching performance of "It's About That Time" early last Friday night at First Avenue, I turned to my friend and tried to give the band the highest praise my beer- and adrenaline-fueled brain could muster. 'Man! These guys are as brutal as Slayer!' I said. My friend, taking in all the smiling faces, headbanging heads and basking in the good vibes that are part-and-parcel of the Umphrey's experience, clarified my remark. 'They're brutiful!' he exclaimed, and it instantly hit me that there's no better way to describe one of the best live bands working.
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Photos by Aaron Rupar

​Dark Star Orchestra
First Avenue, Minneapolis
Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Although First Avenue can't quite stack up with an outdoor festival setting, last night's Dark Star Orchestra show in the mainroom was still plenty good. The band has made a name for itself by traveling the world and playing entire Grateful Dead concert sets just as the Dead played them decades ago. Last night, DSO recreated a Dead set from April 19, 1984 at the Civic Center in Philadelphia. By the mid-'80s, this output consisted of an American roots-style blend of blues, country, reggae, and, of course, good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll.
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​I Self Divine's LA State of Mind EP Release Party
With Brother Ali, Muja Messiah, and Alicia Steele & the Endevours
7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
Sunday, January 22, 2012

Better than: The sounds of high-class America.

Three of arguably the top five local rappers were on the bill at 7th Street Entry last night, and the packed and lively crowd suggested the lineup appealed to a number of people. The tight venue proved a powerful locale for each Doomtree member in December, and it seems I Self Devine took to heart the power of such an intimate venue to display his latest material. The night marked the premiere of the live portion of his four-part Culture Series, a monthly set of shows and mixtapes which precede the release of his sophomore solo effort The Sounds of Low Class America.More >>

Photo by Ben Clark

Coloring Time

​Coloring Time
December 31, 2011
Aster Cafe, Minneapolis

The members of Coloring Time read like a who's who of hip hop and jazz in Minneapolis: founded by Joe Horton with core members including Graham O'Brien, Casey O'Brien, Peter Pisano, and Bobby Mulrennen, the lineup is more like a dream crew.

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Photos by Nick Wosika

​Dessa with I, Colossus, Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble, and Hannibal Buress
December 6, 2011
7th St. Entry, Minneapolis

"I was chatting with some reporters on the phone beforehand and they were like, 'What makes your show cohesive?'" Dessa said as she greeted the audience at the onset of her show at the Entry last night. "I was like, 'Absolutely fucking nothing.' I feel like I'm doing some Oprah's Favorite Things shit right now."

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Photos by Nick Wosika

​Sims Blowout night with One Be Lo, Astronautalis, and Brother Ali
December 4, 2011
7th St. Entry, Minneapolis

For anyone else, seven nights in a row of one musical act would be over the top. When that act is the Doomtree crew, seven consecutive nights of the Twin Cities' talented collection of MCs brings nothing but giddiness and a sort of crazed enthusiasm from the fans that are the most loyal in town.

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Photos by Ian Power-Luetscher

​If you missed the spectacular Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue show at First Avenue on Friday night, you should feel more than a little bit bummed out. Here's 10 reasons why: More >>

Photos by Dave Eckblad

​The Psychedelic Furs and Tom Tom Club
September 9, 2011
First Avenue

Legendary UK post-punk stalwarts the Psychedelic Furs rolled into First Avenue on Thursday night intent on showing their aging but dedicated fans a good time, as well as proving that there isn't any dust forming just yet on their stellar back catalog of hits. Frontman and founder Richard Butler was in fine voice and great spirits as he led his band through a spirited (but all-too-short) 70-minute, career-spanning set that showcased how indelible their songs truly are, and also how much their moody, mercurial sound still influences much of the current music scene.
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Photos by Ian Power

​The War On Drugs
August 28, 2011
7th Street Entry

The War On Drugs seemed determined not to let the weekend end quietly Sunday night, treating the 7th Street Entry to a stirring 90-minute set that put the stellar songwriting and deft guitar work of frontman Adam Granduciel on full display. It was a passionate, vibrant performance from the talented quartet out of Philadelphia (which featured Robbie Bennett on keys, Steve Urgo on drums and Dave Hartley on bass), who seemed to only get more bold and exploratory with their sound as the night wore on.
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Photos by Tony Nelson

​Katy Perry
August 23, 2011
Xcel Energy Center

"I hope you have a sweet tooth. Otherwise, this show probably won't be your thing," effervescent songstress Katy Perry told the frenzied audience, halfway through her sold-out California Dreams show in St. Paul Tuesday night. And oh, how right she was. More >>