This morning at McNally Smith College of Music, students shuffled hurriedly into the building, some taking the long way around in order to avoid the reporters filming newscasts out front. Inside, the lobby was filled with chatter and lingering students sharing sympathetic smiles and group hugs, many carrying the weight of their broken hearts in…

Although the artist formerly known as Jay Smart, J.S. Ondara, has self-released a handful of home recordings via Soundcloud — notably, covers of HALEY’s “Kismet Kill” and Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” both of which received steady airplay on the Current — it wasn’t until this winter that he released his first official single,…

Maple & Beech, “Sugar Bugs” Prolific video artists Maple & Beech go to Tyler Tholl’s house to record “Sugar Bugs” from RUNDAWDAW. This arrangement, led by bass clarinet and QChord, displays a softer side of the electronic/pop duo’s output; “Though my hair caught on fire during filming (votive candles are beautiful but dangerous),” Tholl writes, “it was a…

The Garage, in Burnsville, recently underwent renovations to its main stage area, lighting, and sound booth. The main stage was completely redone, new floors were put in, the lighting rig was redone and so was the sound booth giving the venue a much needed facelift. The renovations were paid for by the city of Burnsville…

Here at The Current, we’re introducing a new feature called If You Like. The gist: You tell us who you’re into, and we recommend a local artist you might enjoy. Whoa. Here I thought I’d be doling out recommendations, and I’ve already learned about a cool new band through this feature. Submitting her information, Mary…

When you think of Minneapolis music venue First Avenue, comedian Kevin Hart isn’t exactly the first person who comes to mind. Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City, which airs on Comedy Central, follows Hart during a stand-up circuit in cities across America. The Twin Cities were recently featured on season two of the show.…

Come December, particularly as Christmas approaches, many enjoy tuning into timeless holiday classics. The Current is here to keep your season festive with a mix of treasured chestnuts and fresh jams. We’re also looking back on the year in music. Don’t forget to vote for the Top 89 songs of the year, and the Top…

Last December, Minneapolis singer-songwriters Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski found themselves with an unexpected viral hit: their rewrite of the holiday standard “Baby It’s Cold Outside” climbed the streaming charts and zipped across the internet. The pair gained widespread media attention as the country debated: is “Baby It’s Cold Outside” a creepy song? Is this…

When it comes to the Twin Cities music scene, we have all our established favorites, as well as so many other flourishing sub-groups — the post-Hippo-Campus college scene, anyone? — but rarely do we hear about the burgeoning high school bands who have very much made names for themselves. Tonight, the Garage is hosting their…

The Weisman Art Museum was just deciding to devote a multi-gallery exhibit to Prince when, suddenly, the Minnesota music legend was no more. The icon’s death lends a poignant note to Prince from Minneapolis, a show that officially opens tomorrow. Tonight, a preview party will feature tunes from DJ Shannon Blowtorch and visits with artists including…