For Minnesota Eyes Only: Weekend Happenings

For Minnesota Eyes Only:  Weekend Happenings

I have no way of knowing how many of you readers are from Minnesota (my hometown, Vu’s hometown).  Maybe everyone could leave a comment stating their current location (just kidding.  Don’t), and also a personal address and bank account number (not kidding.  Do).  No need to worry, it’s just for statistics and for watching you via Google Earth.

For those of you in Minnesota, here’s a brief selection of upcoming local shows I urge you to check out:

Joe January @ the 400 Bar
Thursdays in February
Doors 8 p.m., 18+
$5 adv / door

This Thursday, Feb. 5, Joe January (formerly of Planes for Spaces) is kicking off a month-long residency at the 400 Bar in anticipation of the release of Broken Record, his debut solo album.  Joe’s niche seems to be rooted in the classics:  classic rock, a little folk-y, a little East Village troubadour, but without the conscious dive into world-weary On the Road blues that so many corn-fed Northerners are fond of emulating (thanks Beat Generation, Bob Dylan and Berkeley).  Besides new songs, Joe will also be unveiling new faces:  he’ll be performing with full band, ready to bring it (the rock).  Courtney Yasmineh opens.

http://myspace.com/joejanuary
Ticketing info: www.400bar.com

Tapes ‘N Tapes on Tour

 

Tapes N Tapes-Le Ruse

89.3 The Current and Vita.mn present Tapes ‘N Tapes
Friday, Feb. 6
First Ave., Mainroom
Doors 8:00 p.m., 18+
$12 adv / $14 door

Vu mentioned Tapes ‘N Tapes in his silly “double names” post (he calls them ‘bouncy’ and ‘dancey’; I call them ‘lucky’).  Lucky that they’re playing First Ave. on Friday, since Minneapolis is their homegirl.  Despite Walk it Off being “eh,” and fuzzy guitar-driven indie rock becoming sort of “meh,” I’m anticipating a packed show.  I’ll be there to review openers Wild Light (harmonica-friendly, ‘fuck’-friendly anthem pop), ogle Erik Appelwick, and, of course, bounce and dance.  Solid Gold and DJs TRL and Wes Winship also open.

myspace.com/tapesntapes
www.tapesntapes.com
Ticketing info: www.first-avenue.com

Me and My Arrow

Fort Wilson Riot @ the 7^th St. Entry
Saturday, Feb. 7
Doors 9:00 p.m., 18+
$6 adv / door

Very few bands can cite “performed a rock opera” as an accomplishment (and some should never have tried; see Ciara, “crunk opera”).  Fort Wilson Riot is suited for this kind of grandiose musical adventure, as their sound blends elements of pop, funk, jazz and rock, daring to be over-the-top, and yet managing to avoid smarmy schmaltz (it helps that Amy Hager has a lovely, big voice).  The very attractive band (guitarist Jacob Mullis looks like Joaquin Phoenix) is opening for local Broken Social Scene fan-kids Me and My Arrow (every town has one), with Speed’s the Name and Ice Palace.

myspace.com/24340438
www.fortwilsonriot.com
Ticketing info: www.first-avenue.com

For future planning: