G. Love & the Special Sauce tickets

Laid back blues guys G Love and Special Sauce are back in town for another show. GLSS travel through town at least twice a year, so if you don't think you can make it to this early 2010 show chances are good that you can catch them in the fall.

G Love and Special Sauce have a a very vast catalog seeing as they have been a band since 1994. Surely you remember "Babys Got Sauce," "Cold Beverage" and you may recognize G Love's voice from their cover of "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" from a Coca-Cola Zero commercial.

Fun fact: G Love (Garrett Dutton) has released a few solo albums on Brushfire Records which is the label of Jack Johnson. Jack Johnson and G Love often tour together, they tend to attract the same crowd.

First Avenue tickets are on sale now for G Love and Special Sauce. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad open the 18+ show.

First Avenue Tickets

Looking for a fun and cheap concert to go to? Let me introduce to you the annual Best New Bands show at First Avenue. It happens every January and features some the years best talent all at one show. All bands will be of different genres and the cover is under ten bucks!

Here are the list of bands that will be playing this year: LEISURE BIRDS, MOONSTONE, NO BIRD SING, PETER WOLF CRIER, RED PENS, SLAPPING PURSES, and TWILIGHT HOURS.

While First Avenue tickets will not sell out for this show, First Avenue tickets are on sale now and will be sold at the door well after the start of the show. Normally this is a show I go to every year, but it looks like this year there might be a Vikings playoff game this year the same day (keep your fingers crossed!) Vikings tickets, however, are a much different story and much harder to find.

One of the bands in this year's show is Leisure Birds, which according to their Myspace page classify themselves as "Japanese Classic Music" - how does that not make you a just a little curious. They also have some upcoming shows at the Turf Club with another great local band, Vampire Hands, which was featured in this showcase two years ago.

January 9th happens to also be a Saturday this year, so if you are looking for a cheap date night or cheap show to go to - this is your answer!


Seen here: Leisure Birds live

First Avenue tickets

First Avenue tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

Theory of a Deadman - January 18th, 2010

Killswitch Engage - February 18th, 2010

Jack's Mannequin - February 20th, 2010

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - March 15th, 2010

The Big Pink - March 18th, 2010

First Avenue tickets are on sale now for all of the shows listed above. I bought my Big Pink tickets already - I will NOT be left out of seeing them again.

It seems like towards the beginning of the year First Avenue has a few metal acts booked, but the show mellow out mid February. Have I mentioned that I can't wait for The Big Pink?

I have yet to make my New Years Eve plans, but something to keep in mind is First Avenue's annual party, this year titled "Deep Space Danceteria" - how can you go wrong with that? There are DJ's all night, champagne toast, etc - and if you buy your First Avenue tickets ahead of time there is a discounted rate than if you were to buy them at the door!



Maybe see you there...

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists tickets

Washington DC's favorite indie guys Ted Leo + the Pharmacists are releasing a new album and touring in support of it! This is good news, it seems the band has taken a break for a few years and are now back on track. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists new album 'The Brutalist Bricks' will be released on March 9th via their new label, Matador.

You may remember Ted Leo was the last band to help the Lookout! Records label stay away from bankruptcy. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists were with the label until 2004, however, left due to the uncertainty in the future of the label. Ted Leo is now with Matador as Lookout! tries to rebuild their label.

First Avenue tickets will be on sale for this event starting this Friday (great holiday gift idea!) Buy your First Avenue tickets early - everyone loves Ted Leo!



pictured here: Ted Leo and his Pharmacists
see them live on Monday March 15th, 2010 at First Avenue - the show is 18+ - opening acts TBA

The Big Pink Tickets

Did you miss The Big Pink show at the 7th Street Entry like I did?! Despite their not so awesome review in the Star Trib, I am still dying to see them to make my own conclusion.

First Avenue tickets for this show go on sale on Saturday, so be sure to buy your First Avenue tickets now!

The Big Pink is yet another rock duo from London creating a whole lotta buzz with their album "A Brief History of Love." Their hdebut single that exploded on indie stations was "Dominos" which has a much different feel than the rest of the album. Songs like "Crystal Visions" and "Countbackawards from Ten" really high light their true sound.

After selling out their tour of super small clubs like the 7th Street Entry they are upgrading to larger spaces like First Ave which hold about 1000 people instead of a couple hundred. Good luck selling the tour out guys!

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is Upon us!!!!

One of my absolute favorite live bands on the planet, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, has just mapped out their 2010 US Tour and one of the stops is going to be in good ol' Minneapolis.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much this made my day finding this out on Monday. I have travelled the country far and wide to go to their shows, I love love love these guys. Their last couple of albums have taken me awhile to get into, but their live shows are amazing. BRMC's albums do not do their live show justice.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will be on tour of their new album "Burn the Devil's Tattoo" which is set to be released on March 9th.

First Avenue tickets for this show go on sale Friday, December 4th - don't wait to buy these - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will sell out. No opening act has been announced yet, but they always have someone good!

I will definitely see you at the show!


I will always have a place in my heart for Peter Hayes (pictured here in the middle) :)

Motion City Soundtrack tickets

Minneapolis's very own Motion City Soundtrack is back for a post holiday show at First Avenue on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010.

Motion City Soundtrack is made up of two frontmen: Justin Pierre and lead guitarist and backing vocalist Joshua Cain. Starting out on Epitaph records, Motion City Soundtrack has since moved to Columbia Records. Their follow up to "Commit to This Memory" will be again produced by Blink 182's Mark Hoppus. You may recognize Motion City Soundtrack as a band that has opened for Blink 182 and Weezer on a few of their tours.

Since this is an all ages show the show starts at 5:30pm. First Avenue tickets are on sale now for this show. Motion City Soundtrack is in town for one night only! Don't miss it!

First Avenue tickets

Despite being horribly tired and worn out in lite of the holiday season approaching I still made it out the Sam Roberts show on Tuesday night. It helped that I had the day off to relax and what not, but still, I was dragging!

It was a hard adjustment getting used to Sam Roberts' short hairdo. Last time I saw him and his band open for Ben Kweller he had a full mane of hair. First Avenue tickets for this show were not sold out, the 7th Street Entry was full, however you could still move around. And there was no line for the bathroom, which is a rare occasion.

Before the show I was listening to the Current and low and behold Sam Roberts was on the air for a live studio session thing. It was during this interview that I found out a very disheartening piece of information. Sam Roberts was never a hockey player that taught himself how to play guitar while he was recovering. That was jsut a ridiculous story that he wrote himself! I know! I don't believe it either!

Regardless, it was a great show. The Sam Roberts Band knows how to bring the house down!

See you at the next one!

First Avenue Sponsored Event - First Avenue Tickets

Tonight there is a First Avenue sponsored event at the Turf Club in St. Paul featuring the Pink Mountaintops. I la la love these guys! They have been on my list of bands to check out for about a year now. If anyone was a fan of Black Mountain this is the other more experimental side of their front man, Stephen McBean.

First Avenue tickets are not necessary for this show, it is at the Turf Club and Turf Club tickets are hard to find ahead of time. There are very few retailers that sell them. I have my ticket!

I was reading a little bit into the history of Black Mountain and the Wikipedia article mentioned that majority of the members when they are not touring and creating music with Black Mountain work for a Canadian organization called Insite. Insite takes a different approach to treating people riddled with addiction: Since opening its doors in 2003, Insite has been a safe, health-focused place where people can go to inject drugs and connect to health care services – from primary care to treat disease and infection, to addiction counselling and treatment."

If you are interested in reading more about the interesting company, Insite, you can check out there website here.

See you the show tonight!

Dinosaur Jr tickets still available

The legendary 90's band, Dinosaur Jr, is in town for a show tomorrow at First Avenue. Minneapolis concert fans will have to decide between John Fogerty tickets at the State Theater or Dinosaur Jr tickets at First Avenue - either way Minnesota Music fans will have see a great show regardless of what decision they make.

Dinosaur Jr announced their date here in Minneapolis months and months ago, it is hard to believe that the date is tomorrow already. Dinosaur Jr is on tour in support of their latest album, 'Farm.' (which has received rave reviews - I can attest to that!)

You can rest assured that Dinosaur Jr will be playing all of their old jams like "Feel the Pain" but I am also hoping that they will play most of "Farm" in its entirety (especially "Pieces"!!!!)

First Avenue tickets are on sale now for this show, however, there will not be any available at the door - I am thinking it will definitely sell out so you may want to buy your First Avenue tickets now!!!

See you at the show (maybe!)

Mason Jennings tickets on sale now!

Local favorite, Mason Jennings has announced a show - Saturday, December 19th (what was I saying about those holiday season shows)?!

After falling for Minneapolis's music when he was a teenager, at 19 Mason Jennings followed his father and took up residency in Minneapolis. He began to write and record his own music, always shying away from the major labels that pursued him. If you remember a few years back, Mason Jennings was famous for this Thursday night residency at the good ol' 400 Bar.

In 2006 Mason Jennings was the first artist signed to Isaac Brock's Glacial Pace record label, however, that partnership went a little south and he is now on Brushfire Records. Brushfire is of course Jack Johnson's label. This makes sense - pretty much every time Jack Johnson plays here Mason Jennings opens for him.

Mason Jennings is on tour in support of his 2009 album, "Blood of Man." First Avenue tickets are on sale now for this show. This show will sell out! If you want to go buy your First Avenue tickets now!!!

Solid Gold tickets are now available!

Another home town bans will be having a big show at First Avenue during this fine month of November: Solid Gold.
Solid Gold is a newer local band, they have gotten some national attention when the went on tour this past summer. Their debut album, "Bodies of Water" was released in 2008. I am sure you have heard the song "Get Over It" on 89.3 The Current a few times, the Current plays Solid Gold quite frequently.

First Avenue tickets for this show are on sale now. Sold Gold tickets should be a hot commodity, like I said they are a pretty popular local band with a following. I don't think they will have a difficult time filling the 1200 person venue.

And did I mention that the show is Friday the 13th?
The Hood Internet opens the show.

The Big Pink is sold out :(

I am a very sad panda today! One of my new favorite bands, The Big Pink, is coming to town on the 25th of this month. I will readily admit I am a new fan so by the time I fell in love with them the show was sold out. Its cases like these that I think First Avenue should just move it to the main room. Oh wait! They can't because stupid Ike Reily Assassination is in town that night! Argghhh ... I want to go!!!

First Avenue tickets are so sold out for this show it is not even funny. I have checked all the local places, tried to get on the list, but to no avail. I don't know what I am going to do!

And I am sure you have read my rants on how crowded the 7th Street gets even without a sold out show and how hot and (literally) steamy it gets in there. But I would put up with it all, I just want to see a good show.

So to those of you who would like to see the Big Pink on Wednesday, November 25th, well you are just SOL because First Avenue tickets are no where to be found. Let me know if you would like to add your name to my petition to move the Ike Reily Assassination show to the 7th Street Entry and the Big Pink to the main room!!!

Hopefully see you at the show!!!

Black Angels Rocked the Hizhouse!!!

First Avenue was the place to be on Monday night. Seriously, if you have not been to a Black Angels show you need to treat yourself next time they are in town. They are just fantastic.

First Avenue tickets were sold out for this event. The Black Angels were opening for the Raveonettes which were not bad as well. I do not know much of their catalog minus what I hear on the Current and XM Satellite Radio.

The Black Angels played all of my jams: 'Young Man Dead' "Sniper at the Gates of Heaven' and 'The First Vietnamese War' among others.

I can't wait to see them again, they are one of my favorite bands!

The closest I will get to the Black Angels is seeing the Pink Mountaintops at the Turf Club in a couple of weeks - another band I can't wait to see!!!

Holiday Shows Are Rolling In

Lots of acts that started in Minneapolis move on to other cities to live, however, the holiday season always brings them back. Many bands still have families and friends back here to visit and what a better way to see them all than to have a concert?

Soul Asylum have announced their first 'back to mpls' show of the holiday season. Friday, December 4th in First Avenue's main room. They usually sell one show out and add another, or play at another venue if First Ave is booked. The Jayhawks (or just maybe Gary Louris), Bob Mould, Atmosphere, Gear Daddies, Hold Steady are all bands that have shows around this time of year because they are all back in town for the holidays.

First Avenue tickets for Soul Asylum's show on December 4th go on sale this Saturday. They always sell out, so if you want to go be sure to buy First Avenue tickets well in advance.

Do you have your Raveonettes Ticket Yet?

One week from today!!! The show I have been looking forward to for 2+ months will be here! The Black Angels (YES!!!!!!!!) are opening for the Raveonettes! I have not seen Austin, Texas's finest Black Angels since June 2008 when they were here with the Warlocks.

The Raveonettes usually have a pretty big draw at their shows, the past couple of times they have played the shows have sold out, granted most of them were at the 7th Street Entry. SO if you do not have your First Avenue tickets for this show buy them asap! Otherwise you may be standing outside in our very cold Minnesota weather listening in the street.

See you at the show!!!

Sam Roberts Band Show Announced!!!

One of my long time favorite (gasp!) Canadian bands, the Sam Roberts Band will be in town for a show this November. I have been a fan since my first year of college when I caught their video on a late night showing of "Subterranean" on MTV. Remember that show?! Anywho, I'm usually not a supporter of the Canadians (Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Alanis Morrissette - all people that annoy me and are in fact from Canada). But I love these guys, their first album is filled with 100% awesome jams - you can listen to it from beginning to end.

The other part of the Sam Roberts Band's story that is interesting to tell is that Sam Roberts wasn't supposed to be a musician, he was supposed to be a hockey player. After he suffered an injury that ended his promising hockey career while he was recovering he learned how to play guitar and began writing music. The result was the the self titled release "Sam Roberts Band" and the band has been touring ever since.

First Avenue tickets are on sale for this event now, it will sell out because it is in the 7th Street Entry - everyone's favorite place with one bar and one bathroom - but hey, at least it won't be a million degrees outside so it won't smell like a locker room!

Grizzly Bear: Officially Sold Out.com!

If you were planning on going to Grizzly Bear tomorrow night and you do not have and First Avenue tickets for the show - you may be out of luck. Word on the street is that the Grizzly Bear and Beach House show is sold out - tickets are now difficult to find.

Grizzly Bear is on tour in support of their 3rd album Veckatimest is the third full-length studio album released on May 26, 2009 on Warp Records. The album is named after a small island in Dukes County, Massachusetts.

Beach House is opening the show. Beach House have released 2 albums, their self titled in 2006 and Devotion in 2008.

You can hear both acts on 89.3 the Current, the Current plays "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear a million times a day and I hear it even more on my XM Satellite Radio XMU Station.

So I wish all of you still looking for Grizzly Bear tickets good luck. If you can't find them online or on the street you may have to just listen from the street.

Have fun at the show if you're going!

The Sounds Announce New Show!

yes, you read that correctly. The Sounds have announced a new show date in Minneapolis at First Avenue. This is a huge change from their usual place, the Varsity Theater. Not to mention First Avenue holds about 400-500 more people than the Varsity. The Sounds do have a new album out, Crossing the Rubicon, which they are touring in support of.

First Avenue tickets have been on sale for this event for a couple of weeks. It has not been announced yet who will be opening for them, I am hoping for my new favorite band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Seriously, check them out on their myspace page, they are awesome.

I have seen the Sounds so many times, I'm not sure if I will make it to this one. But regardless, get your First Avenue tickets for this show soon - The Sounds are awesome live!!



The Sounds, Thursday, November 5th at First Avenue, doors open at 6

2 of my favorite bands ...

...will be playing at First Avenue in the next month.
First up is Autolux, which will be in the 7th Street Entry next Thursday. They have no new album coming out, their last release was 2004's Future Perfect. It's awesome to think that in only a shade over a week I will be seeing one of my favorite bands, they haven't toured in years and the last time they were here they played at the Xcel Energy Center opening for Nine Inch Nails, of which Autolux are good friends with Trent Reznor. Autolux will be in the 7th Street Entry next Thursday, September 3rd.

Another show in October not to be over looked are the Black Angels! Yes! Yes! And another Yes! They haven't been here in over a year since they opened for the Warlocks. Expect to hear a lot of new jams at this show, before the Black Angels head out on the road they are finishing their 3rd full length album in September. Ahhh! I'm so excited, they are such an amazing live band. Oh, did I mention they are opening for the Raveonettes?

First Avenue tickets for all of these shows are on sale now. I am going to get my tickets asap, I can't miss any of these guys!


Austin, Texas's very own Black Angels, catch them Monday, October 26th.

Mars Volta Show Just Announced!

Everyone's favorite noisy racket group, The Mars Volta, just announced a show at First Avenue which will be on September 19th.
Currently on tour for their 'Octahedron' album, the Mars Volta are downsizing their tour this time around. Last time they were in town they played at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, which from what I understand was pretty empty. I kind of wonder if First Avenue may be to small though?

I have seen the Mars Volta before and I'm not too sure that I will be forking over the mega bucks to see this one. The last time I saw them was just too much, not to mention Roy Wilkins Auditorium does not have the best sound system. They're songs are just so long (only Led Zeppelin can get away with that much noise!) but in their defense, when they were on their first tour after the demise of At the Drive In, they played a show at the Quest Club. It was amazing. Spoken word artist Saul Williams opened the show and The Mars Volta were awesome. I lived in Milwaukee at the time and it was so worth the drive home to see the show! But unfortunetly they don't have that spark anymore.

First Avenue tickets are on sale now for the Mars Volta.

(maybe)See you at the show!


the geniuses themselves, guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala.

Autolux!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been pretty bummed that I have to miss the Warlocks and Morning After Girls show on the 5th of August. Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to go to White Lake with my partner in crime, Sara, but I would love her even more if we could just leave one day later so I could go to the show! Two of my favorite bands in one night! And I have to miss them :(

Anywho, the redeeming quality is that Autolux, a band that hasn't toured in as long as the Morning After Girls haven't, will be playing a show in the 7th Street Entry September 3rd. I have seen Autolox since they opened for Nine Inch Nails about 4 years ago ... or was it five? Regardless it has been a long time.
I can't wait for this show! First Avenue tickets are on sale now! Buy them before they are gone!

Is it September yet?!!!

Rawrrrr!!!!! Grizzly Bear is coming back!

The new buzz band of the year, Grizzly Bear, were just at the Cedar Cultural Center a few weeks ago. Still wanting to cash in on all the buzz, Grizzly Bear announced another show back here at First Avenue. The holds only a couple hundred people, but I don't think Grizzly Bear will have any trouble selling out the 1200 capacity First Avenue. First Avenue tickets for this show are going to sell really fast and soon. A lot of people were left our of the show at the Cedar so I am predicting that a lot of people will buy their tickets early so they are not left out again.

Grizzly Bear is made up of Daniel Rossen (songwriting/ guitar/ vocals/ keyboards), Ed Droste (songwriting/ guitar/ vocals/ keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass/ woodwinds/ electronics/ vocals) and Christopher Bear (drums/ vocals). You may also recognize Grizzly Bear as the band that opened for Radio Head last summer. Oh yes, they opened for Radio Head, they must be the coolest band of all time. Actually I hear them on Xm all the time and they are pretty good. I think I may actually go to the show if I buy my First Avenue tickets asap!!

See you at the show!


Not actually the band, but its still Grizzly!

Two New Shows Just Announced!

Two new and awesome shows have been added to the First Avenue Calendar. First, local favorite Mark Mallman has announced his millionth show in the main room on Saturday, September 5th and second, 'Alice in Chains' on Monday, September 21st. I put Alice in Chains in quotations because whoever is touring as Alice in Chains is not really the band. I don't know if the rest of the members got the memo, but Layne Staley died about 7 years ago! It is a pet peeve of mine when bands have members that die (especially key ones like the lead singer) and regroup years later and call themselves by the same name. Why is Led Zeppelin the only band that has this right? Their drummer dies and they stop touring and go their own way.

Anyways, back to two new awesome shows at First Avenue. First Avenue tickets will be available for these shows beginning this weekend and both will be hot sellers. Mark Mallman is a local favorite, he gets a lot of radio airplay. And Alice in Chains will sell a lot of tickets simply because of their name. So if either of these are events you wanting to go to make sure you buy your First Avenue tickets for this even sooner than later!



Mark Mallman
He kind of looks like he might be Har Mar Superstar's brother! (Mark, that is a compliment)

Events This Holiday Week at First Avenue

Don't let the holiday weekend fool you! There are still shows going on this week at First Ave. In case you've got the opposite of cabin fever and are staying in town this weekend there are some shows that you can check out.

Nas June 30th
Matisyahu July 1st
The Roots July 2nd

First Avenue tickets are available for all of those shows, however, the Roots show has been a hot seller. I know a lot of people that are going and a little birdie told me that Electric Fetus is already sold out of the event - and that rarely happens before Ticketmaster is sold out.

The buzz behind Matisyahu has really quieted down. A few years ago there would not have been a First Avenue ticket for miles there was so much hype about the Jewish reggae rapper.

Just remember: there are options if you're stuck at home this weekend like me! No Doubt will also be rocking the Xcel Energy Center which I may not be able to resist!

Dinosaur Jr Show Announced!

Get out your nostalgia hats! One of your favorite bans fronted by J Mascis (jk the ONLY one) in the early 90's was Dinosaur Jr. I have been hearing rumors about how awesome their new album "Farm" is and I finally broke down and bought a copy. I must admit as of now I am only three songs into the album and I hooked. Definitely hooked! The first song is called "Pieces" which they recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Although they have been a band since 1984, which was before I was even born! "Farm" is only their 5th studio album. They were signed to Sire records in 1990 and after several player changes, fights amongst band mates, and slow record sales the band was officially broken up. However, like most bands that swear they will never play together again, by 2005 they were back together again. Good thing they did because I am loving this album! Hop on down to Electric Fetus and pick one up - no Dinosaur Jr. fan will be disappointed.

Dinosaur Jr will be at First Avenue Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 (Nothing like planning ahead, winter boots and all!) The opening act has not been announced yet, however, the show is 18+ (Sorry kiddies!) First Avenue tickets go on sale next week and like I said - the show isn't until November 18th!


An no, that is NOT Gandolf!

See ya there!

Three Great New Shows!

If you missed two super sold out show at the Cedar and the Varsity in the past couple of weeks, chances are you are a Grizzly Bear fan and a Phoenix fan. But never fear, First Avenue has confirmed that both acts will be back, and most likely at First Avenue which hold more people. The Varsity Theater holds only 800 and the Cedar Cultural Center holds less than 500. So with First Avenue being able to hold over 1200 people, there should be more opportunities for everyone who wants to go to get a hold of First Avenue tickets.

No dates have been confirmed, I would assume that both would be in the early fall. The First Avenue Concert Calendar has a lot more openings for big shows like this - it's pretty much full through the end of the summer.

And finally, the other great concert announcement at First Avenue is alternative godfathers, Sunny Day Real Estate. They are reunited, featuring singer Jeremy Enigk and the Foo Fighters drummer William Goldsmith and guitarist Nate Mendel — will reunite for a fall tour. The reunion tour stops in Minneapolis on September 23rd.
First Avenue tickets will sell out for this one, too, so if you're looking to go to any of these shows be sure to get your tickets when they go on sale - check back here for updates. Sunny Day Real Estate tickets go on sale this Saturday.



Sunny Day Real Estate


Grizzly Bear


Phoenix

Metal Heads Unite!

August 28th, 2009 metal grandfathers Motorhead will be playing at First Avenue. Everyone who loves loud, screaming guitars knows about Lemmy and the rest of the guys.
First Avenue tickets for this show are available starting on Saturday, June 20th.
Last time Motorhead was in town they played at the Myth which is substantially larger that First Avenue, so I am willing to bet that this show will sell out!

An opening act has not been announced yet.



I probably will not be seeing you at this show, but it's definitely worth checking out if not just for the people watching factor.

Ani Difranco show announced!

Ani Difranco has announced not one, but THREE shows in Minnesota this Fall. I think that is 2 too many, but what then again I don't know too much about Ani - except that her fans are obsessive and First Avenue tickets for this show may be hard to come by. The only thing that her fans have going for her is that they will have 2 other shows to catch her at in dear ol' Minnesota!
Here are the shows:

Tuesday, September 15th at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester
Wednesday, September 16th at the DECC in Duluth
Sunday, September 20th at First Avenue in Minneapolis

So if you're a fan I am sure you will be able to make to one (if not all three) of these shows. This has really got me thinking how much I wished some of my favorite bands would play three shows in Minnesota - such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Brian Jonestown Massacre or even Spiritualized.

First Avenue tickets for this show are on sale now and so are all of the other shows in Minnesota. Be sure to check them out, Ani may not be back for awhile.

Trip Down Memory Lane

I sadly did not make it to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on Saturday (Beerfest got the best of me!) but I did make it to the Third Eye Blind show Sunday night. I had no idea that First Avenue tickets for this show would be in such high demand, however, I stand corrected. First Avenue was packed to the wall with people, my friends and I had to stand by the merch table!
Third Eye Blind played all the old jams that I feel in love with when I was in 7th grade. They played "Motorcycle Drive By" (I was not even dreaming of hearing that one!) "Graduate" "God of Wine" "I Want You" "Jumper" and of course "Semi Charmed Life." From an album that was from 12 years ago, it's pretty cool that Third Eye Blind played almost half of it. I was pleasantly surprised, however, I cannot belive how crowded it was. I made a point to wear a longsleaved shirt assuming it would be freezing in the half full First Avenue. Haha! I was wrong, instead I was left to swelter in the over packed place.
All in all I am kind of bummed that I missed the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show on Saturday, but I got to take a trip down nostalgia lane over the weekend!

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I know

So the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show is this Saturday and I think I may head over and check out the show after I go to the 2009 Beerfest by the Basilica. Tickets for Beerfest are a little steep, but I think it sounds like a lot of fun. There are over 200 vendors there this year, which is why they had to change their location from Uptown to downtown. After that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be playing a very sold out show at First Avenue. As I'm sure you know, First Avenue tickets for this show are sold out through the First Avenue box office and Ticketmaster. But if you know where to look, I am sure you can find some!



Are you going to the show? Or perhaps Beerfest? Let me know, my lovely roommate, Sara, and I will be down there all afternoon! Unfortunately I don't think Landfill will be making an appearance at the show :( I believe you can buy your tickets for Beerfest

Techno godfathers return!

Exactly one week after my beloved Third Eye Blind concert there will be another big show in town at First Avenue. I am talking about the Crystal Method. The LA based group gained popularity in the later 90's around the same time as their European cohorts, the Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk. Simply put they are DJs, but fantastic at what they put together.
Since their release of Vegas in 1997, the duo have not really taken a break from recording and releasing albums. They have also done a lot of producing for other artists and recordings for soundtracks. The Crystal Method are currently touring in support of their new album, "Divided by Night" which was released on the 12th of this month.
First Avenue tickets for this show are still available, I think the show would sell better if it were on a Saturday night. Which I think it should be considering it would be AWESOME to have The Crystal Method DJ at First Avenue's Too Much Love event on Saturday. But I understand, bands have to save Saturdays for bigger markets like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.


Sunday, June 6th, 2009
I'll see you at the show!

Nostalgia report: Third Eye Blind!

Remember Third Eye Blind? You know the 'do do do do do do do do do da do' song that was all about a semi charmed life, but in reality was all about doing Crystal Methamphetamine (many people don't believe me, but I challenge you to look up the lyrics on lyrics.com!)
Anywho, Third Eye Blind's self titled debut was released when I was in 7th grade. In fact, it was one of the first cds that I bought with my very own money, my babysitting money that I earned, not even the money that my mom gave me. I listened to it so much that I had to buy another copy. I had the gray album cover version AND the red album cover version. There were far better songs on it than 'semi charmed life' such as 'losing a whole year' 'graduate' and 'jumper.' All of course involved subject matter far too mature for a 13 year old to really understand, but I loved it anyways.

Sunday, May 31st, 2009 Third Eye Blind will be at First Avenue, it is an 18+ event. Shouldn't be a problem considering I was probably one of their youngest fans back in the day and I'm now 24, I doubt there will be a lot 16 year old Fall Out Boy fans wanting to buy First Avenue tickets for this show. But I will be there! I am getting guest listed so I get to go for free (thank you Joe!). I can't wait to hear all of my favorite jams and all of the new ones that I won't know.


Lead singer Stephen Jenkins seen here with baby mama Vanessa Carelton

Totally Sold Out!

How sad am I that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is sold out?! It sold out in like a day!!!
I should have seen this coming, but I'm short on cash so I wanted to wait until the day of the show was a little closer. First Avenue tickets for this show are hard to come by and not going to be easy to find!
I even bought the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album awhile back and I thought that they may be touring, I just had no idea it would be so soon and with such short notice.
First Avenue tickets for this show went on sale a couple of Saturdays ago, and I heard that by Sunday Ticketmaster was sold out. I am hoping that I can mooch off of a friend that has a First Ave connection because I really want to go! Hopefully this time around Karen O will be coherent enough to remember the words to the songs - last time she was too shwasted to remember any of them!

(hopefully) See you at the show!

Sonic Youth is coming!!

Well I am shock! I just went to Wikipedia to maybe find some information on Kim Grodon that I didn't know before, you know, some interesting trivia piece to put in my blog about Sonic Youth playing at First Avenue. I certainly found that interesting piece of information I was looking for! Kim Gordon is 56 years old! That is almost SIXTY!!!! That is insane. I always thought she was about my mom's age, but nope, Kim has her beat by a decade! She looks great for being almost sixty, I can't believe it!
Anyways, Sonic Youth will be in Minneapolis at First Ave on Thursday, July 17th.
They haven't been here in a few years and I know that I haven't seen them since they were at the Quest Club years ago.
First Avenue tickets for this show will sell quickly, Sonic Youth is one of those bands that has grandfathered a lot of the bands that we listen to today. When I was at the Quest show years ago, it was so packed that you could barely move! And if memory serves me correctly the Quest was a little bigger than First Avenue.

Don't put off buying your First Avenue tickets for this show! They will sell out!

Conor Oberst is back again already!!!

The Minneapolis concert list just keeps piling up! I am going to have to take out a loan to keep up with all of them. Wednesday, June 24th Conor Oberst will be back with his Mystic Valley Band. They have a new album out on May 5th called "Outer South" and are touring in support of it. First Avenue tickets for this show may not sell out right away, but anytime Conor Oberst is in town First Avenue is always packed. I remember the first time that I saw Bright Eyes there the club was so packed that you could not move an inch. I swear they were at least 500 people over capacity. Had there been a fire we may not have all made it! However, it is worth mentioning that this was during the days of First Avenue's previous owners, I doubt the new owners would make the same silly mistake.


Anywho, you can buy the album:

May 5th, 2009 at your local record store

and you can see the band live at First Avenue on the 24th of June!

I will definitely be seeing you there!

The Faint / Ladytron is tonight!

Hopefully you are ready to call it an early night. I just got off the phone with First Avenue and the Faint show starts super early! I am not going to even make it to the opening band or part of Ladytron's set (gotta love car trouble!) So if you haven't gotten your First Avenue tickets for this show yet you may want to act fast, the doors open at 5pm, so any remaining tickets may sell fast and early.



Telepathe: 6pm
Ladytron: 6:45
The Faint: 8:45

I think the whole show has to be done at 10 because First Avenue's Ritmo Caliente night begins at 11.

see you at the show (late!)

Who is exceited for the Faint and Ladytron?!

First Avenue Event List

There is a lot going on at First Ave – I have got to get a schedule on here!

Tapes 'n Tapes
Friday 2/6/2009 8:00 PM

Savage Aural Hotbed
Saturday 2/7/2009 6:00 PM

The Pretenders
Friday 2/20/2009 8:30 PM

Never Better Tour
Saturday 2/28/2009 6:00 PM

Dan Auerbach
Saturday 3/7/2009 6:00 PM

Mindless Self Indulgence
Saturday 3/21/2009 5:00 PM

Katy Perry
Tuesday 3/24/2009 6:30 PM

G. Love & Special Sauce
Friday 4/17/2009 7:00 PM

Cloud Cult
Saturday 5/2/2009 6:00 PM

Ain't it fine in 2009?

Long time no see! Yes, yes, I know - life has been getting in the way. The Vikings season is done so I get my life back, kind of.
have you been to any good shows lately? I haven't. I think the last time I ventured to First Ave was for Conor Oberst. I did, however, make it to the Oasis and Ryan Adams show in December. Sitting front row and center was great, but my old Ryan Adams is gone forever. He only played 2 songs off of Cold Roses, which was disheartening. I managed to finagle my way into some Minnesota Vikings tickets when the Chicago Bears were in town. And we even won! We may be out of the playoffs, but it was a great game nonetheless.
As for First Ave, there is a big show happening this Thursday. Pop rockers, The Frey, are making a stop in Minneapolis while on their club tour. Are you looking for First Avenue tickets for this show? Good luck! They are completely sold out, as in unless you knows someone who can get you in on the list - you are out of luck!

The Pretenders are playing February 20th - another sold out show! It's nice to know that even though the weather is crappy and snowy bands still want to make it to Minnesota!