It’s a tale of two Andys. Doomtree member and established solo MC Sims and world-traveling rapper and freestyler Astronautalis will pair up to co-headline First Avenue’s Mainroom on Friday, June 14. It will be the first time headlining the downtown Minneapolis venue for both performers (save for an appearance Astronautalis made to cap off…

Tuesday, April 30 Teenage Moods, Dan Mariska and the Boys Choir American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis 7 p.m., $7, 18+ Celebrate Valborgsmässoafton—a Swedish word for the annual welcoming of spring—around a bonfire in the Swedish Institute’s courtyard and with live music from melodic rockers Dan Mariska and the Boys Choir and Teenage Moods. Indoors, DJs Adatrak and D’Jo…

  Semi Official, much like the Dynospectrum project, is one of those projects on the Rhymesayers label that has a loyal cult following. It consists of I Self Devine on the vocals and DJ Abilities on the scratches, with them both collaborating for the musical production. The result is two of the Twin Cities best…

  Local record label Totally Gross National Product has had a long history of releasing of the Twin Cities’ most experimental and complex records, with more than a handful gathering extensive praise throughout the years. In 2012, the label went on a hiatus to prepare for an eventual relaunch, and that time is now upon…

  Happy Friday! Oh, how I’ve been waiting to say that and really mean it, you know? The sun is out, the temperature is rising, and I think we can safely say that the worst of this wretched, drawn-out winter season is behind us. If you’re stuck inside until the end of the workday, here…

  Now in its fourth year, Winona’s Mid West Music Fest continues to expand into new venues and pull in acts from the surrounding region to create a city-wide sampling of new music. It was only my second year attending the festival, but already the year-to-year improvements were noticeable: More of the shows were presented…

  Local Radar highlights bands that the local team at The Current is spinning heavily at their desks. You’ll be able to preview a track from each as well as hear them on The Local Show and Local Current. VANDAAM I wrote about VANDAAM last September when two songs of their were circulating on Bandcamp.…

  It’s nearing bar close on a Saturday night at the 331 Club, and somehow, over the last half hour, amid a flurry of flashing laser lights and flutters of metallic confetti, Elliott Kozel has removed his skin-tight black pants and is running through the crowd completely naked. On second thought, he’s not completely naked,…

Monday, April 22 Reina del Cid Amsterdam Bar and Hall, St. Paul 9 p.m., free, 21+ Fresh off a well-received appearance at Winona’s Mid West Music Fest, Reina del Cid and the Cidizens bring their guitar-driven folk back to the Amsterdam for their weekly residency. Singer-songwriter Martin Devaney will open the show. Tuesday, April 23…

  When I first moved to Minneapolis one of my frequent hang out spots was the Dinkytowner. The Fifth Element had been hosting a monthly night called Essential Elements at the venue and I was being groomed to take it over so that’s how I originally found myself down there, but there was something special…