Half a dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Charlie Dean from Minneapolis:
1 Powderhorn Porchfest. This south Minneapolis music festival featured 14 bands, food trucks, water stations, beer gardens, street dances, street art and a new princely guitar sculpture ( still at the corner of 32nd Street and 17th Ave S.). Fun for the whole family sounds cliché, but that was it. My calendar is already marked for September 19, 2023.
2 Saturday Sounds at Midtown Global Market. Enjoy the food that lined up at the Minnesota State Fair while listening to an eclectic and exciting lineup of musicians. There are different artists every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. On October 1, it’s the most unique solo band you’ve ever seen, Blood Brother (Philip Westfall).
3 Reba McEntire in “Big Sky”. Reba is constantly changing, but she’s still Reba and still entertaining. I can’t wait to see her bring the energy “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” to this ABC drama on Wednesdays.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune reviewer:
1 Speech by Taylor Swift, Nashville Songwriter Awards. Accepting the Songwriter/Artist of the Decade for 2010-19, she gave a gracious speech, acknowledging the most experienced co-writers from her early years. She also explained her three songwriting styles, categorizing them with pens: fountain pen (using old-fashioned words or inspiration), fountain pen (modern stories with a poetic twist), and glitter gel pen (carefree, syncopated on a rhythm). Skillfully expressed.
2 Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Dakota. The son of the late and legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti led his funky, jazzy 10-person ensemble in the contagious spirit of his father. Influenced by James Brown, the Neville Brothers and Fela, the colorful saxophonist-singer was an emotional, effervescent and exciting dynamo who never stopped moving.
3 Good Time Gals, concert in St. Paul’s Court. This Twin Cities quintet shone with their feisty blend of hot jazz, classic country, Vaudevillian blues and clever vintage-style originals from their LP “Whiskey Kisses.” Shout out to vocalist Debbie Briggs and accomplished guitarist-vocalist Miss Myra.
Half a dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Charlie Dean from Minneapolis:
1 Powderhorn Porchfest. This south Minneapolis music festival featured 14 bands, food trucks, water stations, beer gardens, street dances, street art and a new princely guitar sculpture ( still at the corner of 32nd Street and 17th Ave S.). Fun for the whole family sounds cliché, but that was it. My calendar is already marked for September 19, 2023.
2 Saturday Sounds at Midtown Global Market. Enjoy the food that lined up at the Minnesota State Fair while listening to an eclectic and exciting lineup of musicians. There are different artists every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. On October 1, it’s the most unique solo band you’ve ever seen, Blood Brother (Philip Westfall).
3 Reba McEntire in “Big Sky”. Reba is constantly changing, but she’s still Reba and still entertaining. I can’t wait to see her bring the energy “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” to this ABC drama on Wednesdays.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune reviewer:
1 Speech by Taylor Swift, Nashville Songwriter Awards. Accepting the Songwriter/Artist of the Decade for 2010-19, she gave a gracious speech, acknowledging the most experienced co-writers from her early years. She also explained her three songwriting styles, categorizing them with pens: fountain pen (using old-fashioned words or inspiration), fountain pen (modern stories with a poetic twist), and glitter gel pen (carefree, syncopated on a rhythm). Skillfully expressed.
2 Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Dakota. The son of the late and legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti led his funky, jazzy 10-person ensemble in the contagious spirit of his father. Influenced by James Brown, the Neville Brothers and Fela, the colorful saxophonist-singer was an emotional, effervescent and exciting dynamo who never stopped moving.
3 Good Time Gals, concert in St. Paul’s Court. This Twin Cities quintet shone with their feisty blend of hot jazz, classic country, Vaudevillian blues and clever vintage-style originals from their LP “Whiskey Kisses.” Shout out to vocalist Debbie Briggs and accomplished guitarist-vocalist Miss Myra.