Coffee Break9:30 Coffee Break: Musicians with Streets Oct 23, 2014For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, let's put together a set of songs from musicians who've had streets named after them. What should we play?
Local Current BlogMorris Day and the Time play official opening at Hard Rock Cafe Mall of AmericaBrenda Tran • Oct 23, 2014At 7:45 pm last night, a well-fed crowd lined the patio of Hard Rock Cafe’s new Mall of America location for a party in celebration of the official grand opening—complete with red carpet pizzazz, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment by Morris Day and the Time. There was no ribbon cutting, though: instead, there was a guitar-smashing…
Local Current BlogDave Ray Avenue to be dedicated in St. Paul in tribute to local folk-blues legendJay Gabler • Oct 23, 2014Portions of Franklin Avenue in St. Paul will be renamed “Dave Ray Avenue” in honor of the late Minnesota folk-blues legend. Yesterday, the St. Paul City Council approved a resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Russ Stark, that “that Franklin Avenue between Berry and Eustis Streets is hereby co-named Dave Ray Avenue and that appropriate street signage…
The Current Music NewsToday’s Music News: Chinese government issues statement against Kenny GStaff • Oct 23, 2014Plenty of people have made statements against Kenny G, but it’s not his smooth jazz that’s upsetting the Chinese government—in fact, the saxophonist is a huge star in China. That’s why his participation in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong inspired a reprimand by China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman. “Kenny G’s musical works are widely popular in China,” said Hua…
News and InterviewsInterview: Dee Dee Penny from Dum Dum GirlsBarb Abney • Oct 22, 2014Dee Dee Penny from Dum Dum Girls dropped by The Current's studio to chat with Barb Abney ahead of the band's show tonight at the Fine Line in Minneapolis.
The Current Guitar CollectionGuitar Collection: Jack Moffitt, Gibson 335Luke Taylor • Oct 22, 2014The Preatures' Jack Moffitt walked into a Sydney guitar shop on a whim and found an instrument he describes as "me in a guitar." Find out more about what Jack has to say about his Gibson 335.
Coffee Break9:30 Coffee Break: Wolves Oct 22, 2014Let's put together a playlist of songs about wolves for today's 9:30 Coffee Break. What do you want to hear?
Local Current BlogA whole new world: Three-fourths of the Goondas reform as FlasherLillian Speakman • Oct 22, 2014Three past members of Minneapolis’s most notorious raucous live band of recent years, the Goondas, have recently reunited in a new band, Flasher. It seems Jackson Atkins (guitar), Andy Meuwissen (bass), and Josh Miller (drums) are looking to get back to what they do best: playing rock and roll. The Goondas were known not only for their…
The Current Music NewsToday’s Music News: Baker Street saxman Raphael Ravenscroft dies at 60Staff • Oct 22, 2014Raphael Ravenscroft, the saxophone player responsible for one of the most iconic sax lines in pop music history, has died of a heart attack at age 60. Though he worked with artists including Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, and Robert Plant, it was the 1978 solo hit “Bakers Street” by Stealers Wheel‘s Gerry Rafferty that made Ravenscroft a saxophone legend. (Billboard)…
Local Current BlogSouthside Desire, Narco States, and more of this week’s Minnesota Record ReleasesAaron Bolton • Oct 21, 2014Southside Desire: Southside Desire Neo-soul stars Southside Desire are dropping their self-titled LP this week. The CD release show is Wednesday at the 7th Street Entry. Marvel Devitt’s lush-solid lead vocals are supported by beautiful harmonies from Gloria Iacono and Joy Spika. The band blends funky bass lines with upbeat guitar riffs on tracks like…
