Although she hails from Denmark, bass player Ida Nielsen has, for all intents and purposes, been a local musician these past several years. As a member of Prince’s horn-fueled funk band the NPG and power rock trio 3RDEYEGIRL, Nielsen spent more time in Chanhassen than anywhere else, living out of a hotel near Paisley Park…

It's day 1 of the Air Guitar World Championships, where the best air guitarists in the world gather in Finland to compete for the title of world champion. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that are deserving of air riffage?

Sharon Van Etten has released “Not Myself,” a song written in the aftermath of June’s mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub. “In the memory of those trying to be safe and be themselves,” writes the singer-songwriter in an accompanying statement, “I hope we can all come together to help prevent another massacre like this and…

On Monday Toots Thielemans, famous jazz harmonica player, passed away at 94. So for today's Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that feature the harmonica?

The Minnesota Wild have announced that in response to fan demand, they’re officially changing the song played in celebration when the team scores a goal. Formerly Joe Satriani’s “Crowd Chant,” the song will now be Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” The Wild seem surprised to have made national headlines merely by surveying season ticket holders about…

On Sunday night at the Rose Bowl, Coldplay invited James Corden to join them onstage for a cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” It being Corden’s birthday, the band brought a cake out to give to the TV host after their duet. (Stereogum) Warpaint relocate Varsity gig Warpaint have relocated a planned Sept. 29 Varsity Theater show to…

At one point today the Oake & Riley staff looked at each other and sadly admitted that the Olympic games are over, and we're going to miss them. So for today's Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention saying goodbye, or acknowledge the end of something?

The Twin Cities enjoyed a bounty of concerts on Saturday night. Metallica rocked U.S. Bank Stadium; Wilco played Hall’s Island; Har Mar Superstar, Flume, Square Lake Music & Film Festival, and a half dozen other shows went down all over the metro. The Cedar, though, had an edge (plus written support from U.S. Representative Keith Ellison; read his letter…

On Saturday night at the Cedar Cultural Center, ten up-and-coming local artists played The Local Show’s Artists to Watch showcase. In honor of the occasion, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison — whose congressional district includes the City of Minneapolis — penned a letter supporting the artists, and local music generally. The letter was read onstage at…

'I'm Alone, No You're Not' could be considered the debut from one of the year's most promising acts. Although it's not Joseph's first album, it's a musical statement that the sister trio from Portland, Ore., have found their voices as songwriters and performers.