After the long winter Minnesota had this year, many people might be itching for the chance to get outside. As the days continue to get warmer and the grass greener, it’s time to start thinking about this year’s summer block parties! Here’s a guide to some of the Twin Cities’ biggest block parties, which kick…

What do you mean Dizzy Fae isn’t headlining First Avenue yet? It may be unkind to wish so much fame on an artist who still gets X’s on her hands. But St. Paul’s own Dizzy Fae belongs there. As she demonstrated last night at the Entry, she has the voice; the stage presence; and yes, the look. Before…

Every Wednesday night this month, the Chicago-based punk poet Ike Reilly will hold court at Icehouse to celebrate the release of his new album, Crooked Love. The artist-in-residence concept has become increasingly common at Twin Cities venues this year, particularly in the colder and slower winter months. But for Ike, it’s an approach to playing…

Backstage before their recent sold-out show at First Avenue, I sat down with most of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The North Carolinians are on the come-up in the national alternative music scene after a successful festival season during summer 2017. The band comprise Jess Haney, drums; Sam Melo, vocals and keys; Derrick “Bozzy” Keller, vocals and…

The West Indies archipelago of Turks and Caicos doesn’t have much in common with Chanhassen, Minnesota — but Prince made sure that visitors to his Caribbean retreat knew they were on his turf. The five-acre estate features a winding purple driveway, which is understandably highlighted in photos advertising the property’s upcoming auction. “This estate is…

Now that this season’s American Idol contestant pool has been narrowed down to just seven, it was time to give the aspiring star performers a real challenge: performing hits from Prince’s catalog. Performers have to be at their absolute best if they’re going to attempt to channel Prince’s musicality and stage presence. Two contestants mixed…

This spring, Janelle Monáe seems to be taking over the world with her acclaimed new album Dirty Computer and an upcoming tour that will stop at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on July 3. What most Minnesotans don’t know is that the show will be a sort of homecoming for the multitalented star, who lived in…

How does one create a sound like Roma di Luna’s? I know you can’t set out to make music so singular: with tinges of chamber pop, indie rock, and even Johnny Cash. Plus enough reverb to make aliens feel terrestrial. So I suppose the only answer is evolution. Evolve they have. From the farmer’s market…

“Before you even ask a question,” said Curtiss A, leaning forward to address my iPhone, “I’ll just make a statement that I have not prepared.” The singer-songwriter born Curt Almsted thought I had come to his St. Paul home to ask him about aliens, which was a reasonable assumption. He has a UFO story he’s…

Fathom Lane – “The Queen Of All Hearts” Fathom Lane‘s latest video is a gorgeous affair of seduction and scorn, directed by Josh Becker and lead singer Michael Ferrier. They perform with Lena Elizabeth and Ghost Wagon at Icehouse on May 10. Dodie – “Everybody Gets A Kitten (jeremy messersmith cover)” “I’m not not dressed…