October 11, 2007
Chocolate Rain LIVE
Believe it! Tay Zonday at First Avenue Mainroom, 10/5/2007, opening for Girl Talk. Courtesy of Twin Cities Live. Watch the original here if you're feeling nostalgic.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:29 PM | Comments (3)
September 25, 2007
ZibraZibra - Cruisin'
This must be one of them newfangled computer bands pwning all the kids today. Here all the way from Minneapolis/Stockholm, performing their video hit song "Cruisin'" - please put your hands together for ZibraZibra.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2007
Didgeridoo Brain Massage
The most Burning Man-like experience you can have in downtown Minneapolis. You'll find these fine folks at the Mill City Farmer's Market, ending in a few weeks, so don't miss the incredible didgeridoo brain melt!
Featuring Steve Sklar, who is also a Tuvan throat singer.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:47 AM | Comments (5)
September 16, 2007
Budapest to Berlin: On Tour wth the SPCO
Produced by Emily Goldberg for Twin Cities Public Television, Budapest to Berlin: On Tour wth the SPCO follows the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra through their 2007 European tour. Air Monday night at 8pm on TPT-2.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 04:54 PM | Comments (2)
August 01, 2007
Chocolate Rain
Chocolate Rain. Some stay dry and others feel the pain. Minneapolis-based Tay Zonday has a bona-fide YouTube hit on his hands! Here's an interview that reveals the manchild behind the music.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:40 AM | Comments (3)
July 16, 2007
Prince line 07/07/07
Wanna know what crazy people look like? Prince-crazy people, hundreds and hundreds of them, camped out for the chance to see Prince play First Avenue on 07/07/07. Dave Loomer kept tabs on the line all day. Watch for an overly-excited doofus walking behind WCCO's Jason DeRusha.
Check out more of Dave's music videos on Twin Cities Live.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:16 AM | Comments (4)
June 20, 2007
Let's Go Crazy
How have we gone so long without posting a Purple Rain-era Prince video? If you want to get a little deeper, check out video covers of this song by Ysabella Brave and the very Prince-y Vince Gibbs.
This week we'll have a sweet video from the Northeast Minneapolis parade, so "stay tuned" for that.
Send in your ridiculous summer videos: story@mnstories.com
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 07:15 AM | Comments (2)
June 08, 2007
Low: "Breaker"
There's a ton of great music happening this weekend. Saturday night is the NE Minneapolis Block Party, featuring headliners Low, here performing "Breaker" from Drums and Guns.
RELATED VIDEO: Retribution Gospel Choir covers Pink Floyd
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:13 AM | Comments (1)
June 06, 2007
The Delilahs
The Delilahs are having a highly-anticipated, one-time-only reunion show at Finnegan's Summerfest this Saturday, June 9 at the Cabooze. If you were on the Minneapolis music scene in the 90's, you'll remember their soaring pop harmonies and mandolin. Here's a 9 minute interview with two members of the band about what brought them together and what the future has in store.
Here are some photos from the pre-reunion show, courtesy of Sara Rubinstein Photography.
RELATED VIDEO: Finnegan's Summerfest
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 07:07 PM | Comments (0)
May 31, 2007
String of Things
String of Things is a lovely, lyrical meditation by Will Hommeyer (Blue Moon Productions) on the art of the violin, featuring Serwan Hassan, violinist, and John Waddle, master craftsman.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:48 AM | Comments (3)
May 11, 2007
Jim Ruiz sings "Minneapolis"
After not playing for six years, Jim Ruiz stepped onto the 7th Street Entry stage and reclaimed his "Legendary" status, along with a great band: Allison LaBonne (The Owls) on acoustic bass, Peter Anderson (The Honeydogs, etc.) on drums, and Kim Anderson (Tin Star Sisters) on marimba.
Here's the group playing our beloved theme song, "Minneapolis."
More video from Legendary Jim Ruiz live show
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:28 AM | Comments (2)
May 07, 2007
The BENT Festival
The BENT Festival visited Intermedia Arts in April 2007. Local circuit bending artists were showing off their wares and making a ruckus, including the irrepressibly cute duo beatrix*jar.
. . .
GEEK NOTES: This video was made with a Nokia N93. You can see it gets rather pixelated with concert footage, which actually looks cool with this genre. It looks much better with adequate light. It's possible to edit in-camera as well, but this was edited in iMovie. For some reason iMovie messed up the sound under titles and transitions, probably because it's not great at handling MP4 video files. All in all the N93 is a fun little camera to have in your pocket if you're using it as your phone and only want to carry one device.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:17 AM | Comments (4)
April 30, 2007
Hüsker Dü: All Tensed Up
Welcome to Monday. Before you go out and repossess cars or whatever your job happens to be, why not loosen up with a little vintage Minneapolis punk rock? Plenty more Hüsker Dü clips from YouTube user HUSKERchout.
You can still catch Greg Norton around town playing bass in The Gang Font feat. Interloper. And don't be surprised if Grant Hart shows up at your art opening.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 01:45 AM | Comments (1)
April 26, 2007
Joanna James
Soulful singer/songwriter Joanna James celebrates her cd release tonight at the Varsity Theater. This video about Joanna was produced by Sharece Lamke of Brighid Films.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:47 AM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2007
Antibalas
Brooklyn, New York's Antibalas plays a funky, horn-driven afrobeat that is absolutely smokin' live. Here's a taste of the band at the SXSW Music Festival from March 2007.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:08 AM | Comments (2)
April 10, 2007
Ruby Isle Road Trip
msgmag.com's Megan Wiley roadtripped to Austin, TX in Mark Mallman's van with his new band Ruby Isle. Life will never be the same.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:01 AM | Comments (2)
April 03, 2007
Little Man
Little Man could be your favorite new band. Before even hearing them I was intrigued, thanks to Pete Scholtes' excellent City Pages profile. I then realized "that one song" I loved hearing on The Current was Little Man's "Undertow" [MP3]. So I was quite excited to see them play live at SXSW and talk to singer/songwriter Chris Perricelli about the inspiration for his songs and, of course, his magic stones.
Check out more Twin Cities band videos from SXSW over at mspmag.com.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:10 AM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2007
Ruby Isle: "Teenage Riot" video
Everybody's talkin' bout the stormy weather. They're also talking about the weird new Low video, but Mark Mallman is just as creepy in this video for Ruby Isle's Sonic Youth cover.
BONUS VIDEO: Ruby Isle performing "Into the Black" @ SXSW
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:28 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2007
SXSW: Buck 65 with Sage Francis
Alt-hip-hop artist Buck 65 performs his hit "The Centaur" with a little help from Sage Francis.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 11:32 AM | Comments (1)
March 23, 2007
SXSW Exclusive: The Stooges in-store
Iggy Pop and the Stooges performed a short live show at Waterloo Records. The line outside was insane. Did Chuck get inside? (Hint: Yes)
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 02:18 AM | Comments (2)
March 19, 2007
SXSW: Mallman on Mary Lucia
Mark Mallman tells a street in Austin, TX what he thinks of Mary Lucia. This is short and hilarious - you must watch!
There's more MN-related SXSW music video in the pipeline, plus some awesome non-MN video: The Stooges playing a packed in-store show, and Lee "Scratch" Perry refusing to stop playing when the cops show up.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 11:27 PM | Comments (0)
SXSW: Dosh
Surprise - more Minnesota music from South By Southwest! Here, Anticon artist Dosh explains his musical process ("electronica with mistakes") and talks about the diversity of the Minneapolis music scene.
Interview by MSPmag's Megan Wiley.
BONUS VIDEO: Dosh performance with Andrew Bird on violin
. . .
We'll continue with SXSW video this week, and back to our regularly unscheduled programming next week. Thanks for sending in your videos! If you have a story to share, send it to story [at] mnstories.com .
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:03 AM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2007
SXSW: Brother Ali on 89.3 The Current
Our friends at The Current had a great stage at SXSW this year, which they documented on their music blog. Even better in video though eh? Here's our man Brother Ali performing a few songs and getting interviewed by Mary Lucia.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 02:58 AM | Comments (3)
March 16, 2007
SXSW: Slug + Brother Ali
MSPmag's Megan Wiley nabs an interview with Minneapolis rock royalty: Slug and Brother Ali from Rhymesayers Entertainment. Slug is hilarious. Brother Ali is sincere. Together they are unstoppable.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 02:11 PM | Comments (5)
SXSW: The Deaths
Despite their name, The Deaths are not remotely goth. American Gothic, maybe. I had to go all the way to Austin, TX to see this Minneapolis-via-Fargo band play for the first time and I liked what I heard: Lots of 60's influences and a sense of mourning in the fields.
MSPmag's Megan Wiley has more thoughts in her Wednesday writeup.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 09:58 AM | Comments (1)
March 15, 2007
SXSW: Solid Gold
Solid Gold dropped their sweet electropop on SXSW Wednesday night. MSPmag's Megan Wiley gets the interview.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
SXSW: Pete Townshend excerpt
We were allowed to film the first few minutes of rock legend Pete Townshend's keynote at SXSW. The really good stuff came after those minutes, of course: Keith Moon, playing with new musicians, playing a song for one person over the internet. It was certainly more engaging than Dan Rather's keynote a few days earlier.
MSPmag's Megan Wiley posts her thoughts.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:32 PM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2007
SXSW, Here we come!
That's right friends, I'm heading to South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX in a few days. The weather is sunny and approaching 80 - ahhh.
I'll be there for the entire festival, hanging with the geeks during the Interactive portion, then hopefully talking to the MN filmmakers behind Dirty Country at the film's world premiere. Finally, I'll be rocking non-stop with Minnesota bands along with MSP magazine's Megan Wiley. Check back here and mspmag.com for updates, including interviews and clips from the live shows.
It's gonna be "off da hook." Am I saying that right?
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 01:07 PM | Comments (2)
February 14, 2007
Mallman Valentine
What's Valentine's Day without some melodic wisdom from Mark Mallman? This video is on loan from mspmag.com, where Megan Wiley offers up a bunch of V-day links for you lonely hearts.
RELATED LINKS:
More MSP multimedia
MarkMallman.com
UNRELATED LINK:
Hot transexual valentine video
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2007
Girl Talk
Mixt-up mashuppery? Name that tune for hipsters? Sure it's coming out of a laptop, but it's got a beat and you can dance to it. "It" is Girl Talk (aka Gregg Gillis) and he summoned a whole stageful of willing young dancers to the Varsity Theater stage last week. Here's a little taste.
GIRL TALK WEB SITES:
girl-talk.net
MySpace
Illegal Art
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:36 AM | Comments (0)
January 29, 2007
Dance Band
Mystery, science, dreams, and genius. That's how Minneapolis' Dance Band describe themselves, anyway. I'm trying not to say something like "college band" or "party band" because those words conjure something bad, and Dance Band are good. Funky, fun, booty-shakin' good.
Here's some footage from their gig with Girl Talk at the Varsity Theater. Your next chance to see them is Feb. 1 at the Turf Club, playing before Retribution Gospel Choir.
Hans, the drummer in Dance Band, is from Duluth. He and Alan Sparhawk travelled to Kenya to help build a school. Watch for a video on that soon - meanwhile, learn more at Laleyio.com.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2007
Retribution Gospel Choir
Retribution Gospel Choir, one of Alan Sparkawk's many projects, performs a Pink Floyd classic from July of 2006. It was a great show; How Was the Show agrees. Please excuse the poor sound and my drunken camera work.
Catch the band on tour Feb. 1 at the Turf Club.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:32 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Desperado
Ten days ago, a man named Taylor sent me the following email:
my friend Miss Claudia from the Jug Band and I spent the last 8 days at seven different Northeast bars singin' some karaoke. At each bar we did the same rendition of "Desperado" and Chuck Terhark from City Pages video taped us and is going to make a totally sweet music video by piecing together sections from each of the bars.
BEHOLD! This is that totally sweet music video. You'll laugh. You'll cry in your beer. And probably puke in it, too.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:56 AM | Comments (4)
December 13, 2006
A Total Music Thing
A short film by St. John's documentary student Joe Crofoot.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 01:43 AM | Comments (1)
December 06, 2006
Reggae @ St. Johns
When you think of places to hear reggae music, St. John's College in rural Minnesota is the first place that pops into your mind, right? Okay, I'm kidding. But after watching this video the connection is made. English Prof. Mike Optiz, a fan and player of raggae music, says "Minnesota has always been a hotbed of reggae."
This short documentary is by St. John's documentary student David Slifka. His teacher is Minnesota documentary filmmaker Lu Lippold, and lucky for all of us, her students sent a handful of short films to screen here on Minnesota Stories. Watch for more this week and next!
(And don't forget to watch Vlog Santa)
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:31 AM | Comments (3)
November 20, 2006
Hüsker Dü: New Day Rising (Live)
Let's start the week off right, shall we? YouTuber kastas666 writes: From their out of print VHS tape. Vintage melodic Hardcore by the guys who invented this stuff! Thrash on!
When former Hüsker bass player Greg Norton isn't wearing a chef's hat, he's kicking out the jams in The Gang Font.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:30 AM | Comments (1)
November 01, 2006
Tracks of the Land
This video comes to us from artist and educator Kari Tauring, who writes:
I have a music video created in the early '90s which I have used in performance recently. It is called "Tracks on the Land" and deals with the sale and destruction of farm land in the midwest.
(Note: Music doesn't start for a few seconds.)
RELATED VIDEO: Discovering Origins
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:01 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2006
Beatbox vs. Drums
My favorite music, this week, comes from the formidable St. Paul hip-hop group Heiruspecs. Their secret weapon: Human beatbox Muad'Dib.
I got a chance to film them recording their new album recently - watch for a video with an interview on another media web site tomorrow... and be sure to catch Heiruspecs @ the Triple Rock this Sunday with New Primitives, who are another amazing live band.
RELATED VIDEO: Battle Rap
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:37 AM | Comments (2)
August 29, 2006
MN Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival
DUANE WRITES: It was a rain-soaked Bluegrass Music Festival this year at El Rancho Manana. We once again take a look at a few of the highlighted performers ranging from a four man group to a man who performs by himself. We also take a look at the different shops and stands that were there. Enjoy one of the best Bluegrass Festivals in the area.
CONTRIBUTOR: Duane Kuss, DigElogROCORI
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:17 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2006
Low in the Park
I really shouldn't post this video, because the audio is just terrible. I tried all kinds of tricks to make it sound better, so perhaps it's best to cue up "Silver Rider" on Low's The Great Destroyer and imagine yourself chillaxin' on a towel in Loring Park.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:19 PM | Comments (3)
August 14, 2006
The Black-Eyed Snakes
These summer weekends are saturated with festivals and parties. There was a Polish Festival in Nordeast, Igbofest celebrated East Nigerian culture in St. Paul, and of course the Pizza Luce Block Party. Here's The Black-Eyed Snakes performing "Cornbread."
Be sure to watch all the way to the end for a sneak preview of the 2006 Sound Unseen trailer!
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:29 PM | Comments (0)
August 03, 2006
Vintage Band Music Festival
On July 27-30, 2006, the Vintage Band Music Festival and International Wind Music History Conference brought over 40 outdoor concerts by 15 historical wind bands to the streets and parks of Northfield, Minnesota. Go to www.vintagebandfestival.org for more information.
CONTRIBUTOR: Aleshia, Digimashaghen
SITE NOTE: We're heading to Lake Francis for a week. Here's what we do there. So enjoy today's video and check out the Minnesota vlogs in the sidebar. See you next week.
SEND US YOUR SUMMER VIDEOS! Show us what you're doing this summer. You can upload your video file using YouSendIt - it's super easy. Just enter story -at- mnstories.com for the email address, upload your file, then sit back and laugh knowing Minnesota will be subjected to your hot summer video action.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:10 AM | Comments (3)
July 27, 2006
Tapes 'N Tapes
I keep hearing about these boys around town, these Tapes 'N Tapes. Why, they were even on the David Letter-man program this week. Either my memory or my DVR failed me, but Girl Friday has video of that performance as seen at the Hexagon bar. Meanwhile, here's a nice acoustic performance of "Insistor" from the SXSW festival.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 02:11 AM | Comments (3)
July 21, 2006
Musicapolis
Last year's wildly successful Musicapolis exhibit captured 40 years of music photography in the Twin Cities. Featured local musicians/bands included Bob Dylan, The Suburbs, the Replacements, the Suicide Commandos, Hüsker Dü, Semisonic, Babes in Toyland, and – of course – Prince.
There was one prominent photographer missing from that exhibit: Dan Corrigan. Not to worry. The Minnesota Center for Photography brings us the sequel to Musicapolis, focusing exclusively on Dan Corrigan's 26 years of Twin Cities music photography. The exhibit opens Saturday, July 22 with a bunch of bands hand-picked by Dan.
RELATED LINK: Suicide Commandos page on Twin/Tone, including the video for "Burn It Down."
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:04 AM | Comments (3)
July 19, 2006
The Minnesota Rap
Ladies and gentlemen, the whitest rap you will ever hear.
SOURCE: Christine on YouTube
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:47 AM | Comments (3)
May 04, 2006
Homegrown: if thousands
Here's a lovely video from Starfire, who founded Duluth's Homegrown Music Festival in 1999 — one year after his 30th birthday. Soundtrack provided by if thousands.
RELATED LINKS:
Deep Melancholy and Boundless Creativity: Duluth Does Itself Again
Duluth News Tribune multimedia show
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:15 AM | Comments (0)
April 26, 2006
Como Ave. Jug Band
Have y'all seen the Como Avenue Jug Band? Well, now they've got a movie in the works: The Mystery of the Stolen Jug. This was sent in by band member and co-director Chuck Terhark. The excellent voiceover is John Farrell.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 12:04 PM | Comments (4)
April 21, 2006
Crew Jones
Filmmaker Mike Scholtz says: Meet Crew Jones. Minnesota's number one banjo 'n' rap band brings the flavor of the North Shore to the streets of Duluth. If you like what you hear, Crew Jones is playing Duluth's Homegrown Music Festival on Saturday, May 6, sometime after the clock strikes midnight in the Tap Room.
Oh yeah - Happy Earth Day! Heck, we'll feature enviro-vids all year around. Just not on Earth Day. Too predictable. Also, there aren't any done yet.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:01 AM | Comments (1)
April 14, 2006
Mike Gunther (Behind the Scenes)
Here's a real treat for your Easter weekend: Devil-dancing ladies squarin' off with church-folk! Who will be victorious in this battle for our souls? That's right, you are because you can watch the "hot" new music video from Mike Gunther and His Restless Souls' new album, Burn It Down for the Nails. The song is "Walk All Over It" and it's directed by Suzanne Scholten, who also plays in the band and designed their excellent logo.
This video is a little behind-the-scenes glimpse, shot by myself and our friend Arica. Suzanne works tiny miracles with the "raging rhythm of hell's scarlet brides." Mike Gunther is one funny sun'bitch. And in the end, Anna Lee and Lorika get baptised. Hallelujah!
Mike Gunther's CD Release Show:
Saturday, April 15, 2006 @ Turf Club
In other news, you can listen to a new interview about Minnesota Stories on Radio MNartists.org, produced by Marya Morstad. [MP3]
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:46 AM | Comments (6)
April 07, 2006
Morris Day on Video Soul
Ain't nobody smoother than Morris Day. Here's an interview with him I found on YouTube from around 1987. He chats with Video Soul's Donnie Simpson about recording with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at Flyte Tyme studios in Minneapolis.
Here's the video for "Fishnet." Have a great weekend!
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 09:07 AM | Comments (3)
April 06, 2006
Mates of State
This was an awesome show. Please excuse my rambling throughout.
Contains an excerpt from Starfire's video "Dangerous" - his latest entry for videobloggingweek2006. Woo-hoo!
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 04:04 AM | Comments (11)
March 15, 2006
The Strokes + Har Mar
A real rock treat on my last night of SXSW. I bought a scalped ticket for the sold-out Strokes show, and who should hit the stage but our man Har Mar Superstar. Sweet! Actually it wasn't Har Mar, but the real man behind the St.Paul legend - Sean Tillman. His old band Sean Na Na just finished recording a new album, and this was their first gig in three years. I was recording from far away, so prepare for lo-fi shakycam action.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 07:12 AM | Comments (7)
February 14, 2006
Shaker Revival
Hello lovers. Today's video isn't V-day-themed, but it does offer you cheap V-day entertainment. This is another video from our top Minnesota Stories correspondent in Northfield, Karina. She says:
After playing a few successful gigs in the cities, the Carleton College band, Shaker Revival, is trying to decide if they are going to stay with the band after graduation or pursue other endeavors.
With their unique sound, talent, and charm, I think Shaker Revival could have a bright future. Do you? Go take your Valentine to see them tonight for free at the Uptown Bar and Cafe. Music starts at 9:30!
For more breaking vlog news and tales of Carleton campus courage, check out Journalized!
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:27 AM | Comments (2)
January 31, 2006
"Culture"
You might say this is a music video. You might also try putting a television, a magazine, some cigarettes, a pair of pretty lips, and your brains into a blender for a few minutes. Pour into a tall frosty glass, top off with a mutant frog and drink. Mmmm!
This audiovisual refreshment was created by Escape Mechanism, aka Minneapolis-based collage artist Jon Nelson. Jon hosts the internationally heard and fully respected sound collage show Some Assembly Required, heard locally on Radio K. Don't wanna be a slave to the analog? Then check out Jon's new baby: Some Assembly Required blog+podcast.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:55 AM | Comments (1)
December 08, 2005
Low Choir Practice
Here's a special sneak peak into Low's upcoming Christmas shows. Starfire says this was their first time through the song, so it's a little rough as you'd expect. It sounds lovely to my ears. The song is John and Yoko's Happy Christmas (War Is Over). Low's holiday shows are raising money for the Maasai School Project in Kenya.
CONTRIBUTOR: Starfire, Starfire TV
*** CHECK BACK SATURDAY FOR VLOG SANTA, THAT LAZY DRUNK! ***
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 01:15 AM | Comments (5)
October 13, 2005
The King of France
The King of France is technically a New York band. But much like The Hold Steady, Bob Mould, and ol' Bobby Dylan, we just can't let go of our native sons. Singer/songwriter Steve Salett (err, "Salad") once fronted Minneapolis critical darlings Deformo back in the day, not to mention a stint in the Kelley Deal 6000.
That's all in the past. KoF is showing up on the MTV and in movies and stuff. Probably because their brand of loungy geek-crooning is so damn good. This review sums up their live show: Loose, engaging, and liable to charm the pants off you. Even when the lights go out.
(Usual apologies for the terrible DV-camera sound.)
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:36 AM | Comments (2)
October 07, 2005
Mallman in St. Cloud
Mark Mallman. The legend. In St. Cloud. Rock.
CONTRIBUTOR: Aaron Cheeley, Cheeley Media, who wins tickets to a Sound Unseen film of his choice for submitting this Minnesota music video!
SEE ALSO: Starfire's Mohawks Mohawks
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 08:00 AM | Comments (2)
September 29, 2005
MMA: Stnnng
That's right suckas, it's more Minnesota Music Awards. This band is the most exciting thing I've seen in a long while. Ladies and germs, City Pages Picked to Click Band of the year, Stnnng.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:35 AM | Comments (5)
September 27, 2005
MMA: Spider John Koerner
Will the highlights from this year's Minnesota Music Awards ever stop? Here's a little taste of the legendary bluesman Spider John Koerner, who got the whole room a-clappin' and hollarin'. This is a guy that used to hang and play with Bob Dylan. This is one of the guys The Beatles came to find when they landed on U.S. soil, or so the story goes. Like Mark Wheat says: Isn't it amazing that you can go down to the Viking Bar on a Sunday night and see this man play?
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
MMA: Conrad
You've seen him around. He's that guy who's at every show. That's his job.
I can think of no better way to describe veteran First Avenue stage manager Conrad Sverkerson, who was honored at the Minnesota Music Awards. Conrad gets huge respect from the musicians in this town. Who knew that under all those dreds was this sweet guy who loves to play golf? The most touching moment of the night was when he mentioned his first time stage managing for Soul Asylum, and how bass player Karl Mueller's spirit was in the room. Not a dry eye in the house.
Check out this great old interview with Conrad. I always wondered about the logistics of the big screen going up and down.
. . .
BONUS MMA VIDEO: A drunken Joey Molland obnoxiously tries to rev up the crowd. I thought him pretty annoying at the time, but I gotta admit his showbizzy schtick has a lovable quality.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 04:55 AM | Comments (9)
September 22, 2005
MMA: Rain and Turtles
This year's Minnesota Music Awards was totally booming and flashy. Of course I'm talking about the crazy-ass storms that raged as the awards began. That didn't stop Minnesota music fans from showing up for one of the best MMA shows in recent years.
Duluth's Trampled By Turtles swept the bluegrass category, winning Best Bluegrass Artist/Group and Best Bluegrass Recording. Here's a little taste of their "shredgrass" footstompin' music.
I was rooting for another Duluthian in the house, Charlie Parr, to win an award. Didn't happen, but if you want to see him in action check out this video from the Minnesota Stories archives.
No doubt HowWasTheShow and Ross Raihala will have more to say about the awards. We do too - more video, anyway, in the coming days.
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 06:45 AM | Comments (9)
September 08, 2005
Minnesota Bluegrass Festival
One of my favorite things about Minnesota Stories is getting to experience life and events outside the Twin Cities. Here, Duane Kuss and Aaron Cheeley take us to the The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival. Once again, an event I didn't know existed. And I happen to have a soft-spot for the olde-tymey bluegrass music.
CONTRIBUTOR: Duane Kuss, My Stories of Life
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:57 AM | Comments (9)
August 22, 2005
Battle Rap
I didn't make it out to any of the 4th Annual Twin Cities Celebration of Hip Hop events (did you?). But I was inspired to edit some footage I shot in the snowy spring months, at a BATTLE RAP in Columbia Heights. I'd never seen Eminem's 8 Mile, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I left totally energized and schooled in the ways of the battle rap - here with a little help from St. Paul rapper I.L.I.C.I.T..
RELATED LINK: interlock.cc
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:48 AM | Comments (6)
August 18, 2005
Leroy Glazier's Hand-Made Guitar
The midwest has a long, proud history of olde-tyme country and rock, a history I'm sadly ignorant of beyond Sherwin Linton and parts of The Big Hits of Mid-America. Lots of those guys are still rockin' today, among them Leroy Glazier. Leroy plays in the house band for the Midwest Country Music Theater. Here, he talks about his hand-made guitar before playing at the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame's Music and Memories exhibit, now open at Stearns County Museum.
CONTRIBUTOR: Duane Kuss, My Stories of Life
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 03:04 AM | Comments (12)
August 04, 2005
Day of Music (Part Two)
A perfect surprise in the wee hours of Marshall Field's Day of Music. Guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker and bassist Michael Lewis play together in Redstart among other bands, but here they release experimental post-rock unto a grateful audience. I attempt to channel their sound waves into video movement; a self-indulgent hidden collaborator.
See also: Day of Music (Part One)
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 04:26 AM | Comments (2)
August 01, 2005
Mike Gunther: Have Mercy
When I first heard Mike Gunther, I thought he did a pretty good Tom Waits. That's an embarassing admission. Mike Gunther's music is lived and crafted; this rusty ol' train car is his own. Come join him and his Restless Souls for "Have Mercy." City Pages calls this tune a "murder-blues, tent-revival number." I sure can't say it better than that.
Mike is obsessed with old cars and AM radio – hopefully we'll chat him up for a future Minnesota Story.
DIRECTOR: Suzanne Scholten
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 02:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2005
Day of Music (Part One)
Once a year, Minnesota musicians play round-the-clock for Marshall Field's Day of Music. It's really an amazing experience, both for the diversity of talent and the novelty of not having to go home after bar close. Here's a taste of what you could see between midnight and 3am.
Featured artists: Dallas Orbiter, Charlie Parr, Michael Yonkers
Posted by Minnesota Stories at 05:59 AM | Comments (6)