dave@weheartmusic.com

Jamie xx at the Armory (01-18-25)

As an arctic blast poured into the Twin Cities in the form of a polar vortex, a propulsive beat of electronic dance music provided a welcome counter to the plummeting temperature outside. The person behind the mixers and turntables? James Thomas Smith, better known as Jamie xx. One has to appreciate the stage name for it is a nod to the band he helped form with a group of London classmates in 2005: the xx.

Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos & His Buena Vista Orchestra at the Uptown Theater (09-12-24)

Like Hooker, most of the original musicians from the original Buena Vista Social Club have since passed, but the original musical director of the tour, Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos was at the Uptown Theater on Thursday with his Buena Vista Orchestra, continuing the tradition of spreading the traditional music of Cuba to a new generation.