I see a lot of music; I’m lucky. Some nights are such a mixed bag of genres and vibes that I have to stop and think about how great it is to live in the Twin Cities and to thank the musicians, venues, bookers, promoters, just everyone who makes wonderfully weird nights happen – especially on a Monday.
The night started at the Dakota, a classy romantic date-night set up, to see singer songwriter Sarah Morris. Sarah has a gorgeous voice. Last night I realized that her voice reminds me of Anne Murray, a voice from my childhood, friendly and comforting but also so pure. Sarah played some songs I knew, like Between Here and There with Lars-Erik Larson on piano. A favorite of mine from the pandemic era. And she played some very new songs, such as one born of the songwriter challenge with Ted Hajnasiewicz – prompt was ensemble. And if I know Sarah there were many more on stage at different points of the show. But as much as I love seeing her, you can’t get to four shows in a night if you read to the last chapter.
I left to see Gwar for the first time at First Avenue. They are a highly stylized heavy metal theatrical blood bath and so much fun. The music is aggressively heavy metal and strongly leaning to audience participation. The band has been around since 1984 with a rotation of performers. Back in the day, Gwar was the stuff of Tipper Gore’s nightmare, now it’s pure fun although the action is mostly PG13 with a toe dipping into puppet porn. I was one of the few who proudly walked away without a drop of (fake) blood on me. I was near the front, but not in the pit.
I snuck out during Gwar to see Mayda, taking advantage of proximity of First Avenue Main Room and Seventh Street Entry (and of a fancy First Avenue Membership). What a contrast from a stage full of Jim Henson-dressed dino-men, to the single diminutive, Mayda, dressed like jazz on hip hop, on stage with a guitar. Some folks don’t need the fanfare. And that’s no shade to Gwar, only a prop for Mayda who commands attention with her music, her sneaky humor, her energy and timing. Mayda can steam up a room with only her guitar by the second stanza. (Mayda has an album release Sep 15 at the Hook and Ladder – just saying.)
While I was there, I also caught a little Student 1. Entirely new to me, Student 1 (Lulseged “Lu” Afework) is a first-generation Ethiopian American who moved to Minnesota when he was three. Very high energy, infectiously high energy with clever, yet pointed lyrics. I would definitely see him again.
Mostly Minnesota 