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Photos: Joe Rainey mesmerizes crowd at Cedar Cultural Center

January 27, 2023

Joe Rainey performed at Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Isabel Fajardo for MPR

On Thursday, an attentive audience stood entranced as Joe Rainey brought his groundbreaking debut album, Niineta, to life. It took place in a dimly lit room, with a projected backdrop continuously swirling through new colors and textures. Joe Rainey was joined by a four-person string section and other collaborators who translated the album into a live performance. The album, released through 37d03d, has made major waves in experimental and modern Indigenous music.

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Person sits on a dark stage with a violin in their lap — Joe Rainey performed at Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Isabel Fajardo for MPR

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A view of all of the musicians standing onstage at the end of the show — Joe Rainey performed at Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Isabel Fajardo for MPR

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A view from the dark crowd on Joe Rainey singing onstage — Joe Rainey performed at Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Isabel Fajardo for MPR

This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.