Once again I’m here is Red Wing for the Big Turn Music Fest. My friend scored us a lovely place in town. Not staying in a hotel you have to drive to is nice. I was expect frigid temperatures. (That may be waiting for me today.) But once I got down from St Paul to Red Wing in the snow, it didn’t feel that bad. It’s tough to see a lot and take notes – also I think there were some last minute changes (with 100 bands and 15 venue in snow climate there are going to be changes!) so I’ve done my best. Please send me any corrections!
A special nod to Ott’s Public Bar. Apparently they just opened February 1. Folks were nice in every venue but man those folks were hustling with yummy food (half sandwiches on the menu!) and drinks in a crowded room.
The Right Here – I’ve seen them before. It’s rock. It’s what you want to hear, It’s what you could listen to for a long time. If you weren’t on a mission to see as many bands as possible. One of colleagues had not seen them, but had met a bandmember as a festival so she was pretty happy too.
BEV – one of my hometown favorites but while I run into band members around the Cities, I don’t get to ese them on stage that often. Just the day before, I listened to a few BEV songs prepping for today’s radio show theme, heartbreaks. So, I was ready for it, but I just forget how much I love the change of pacing in the songs.
UPUP/Over (aka Muke Munson) – I remembered this from last year and I had to go back. It’s a guitar in the majesty of the Christ Episcopal Church. I don’t know which is more beautiful, the sound or the sights. It sets a mood – even if the next band is going to entirely alter it for a few moments – we will have peace. It seemed especially important this year!
The Garden Tigers – I can’t believe it but I think this is the first time I’ve seem the Garden Tigers. Their cosmic country sound filled the space in St Paul’s Lutheran Church. It was perfect in a “ wow you’ll only see this in a festival” kind of way, which made it special. Big nod to the parish folks who are friend and always have cheap snacks for sale.
Alluvion-MN – a brand new band for me and playing in the Red Wing Framing Shop. The music electronic with guitar, vocals and special effects on both. Not ambient but experimental. Quicky to see him in a place with others who didn’t know what to expect and maybe don’t see any many experimental shows. Folks liked it but it took a minute to really soak into it.
The Twins of Franklin – last year I saw them at St Paul’s. It was dignified and lovely. This year, they were at Otto’s Public House. It was a lot more fun. Also, I’ve interviewee them in the last year and seen them a few times so I knew about the fun side, which is just more appropriate in a bar than a church. (No shade to the church or last year’s performance it’s just different in the best way.) We actually saw them twice; they filled in for a cancellation too.
The Radium Girls – while I recognize the members, I don’t think I’ve seen Radium Girls before. They did not disappoint. It was the first “full venue” show we got in to so it felt like the shift to the night. Feminist post pop punk energy. What’s not to like?!
Tennessee Stiffs – from Austin Texas to Red Wing Minnesota – that’s a bold move. It’s right there in the name that these folks aren’t from Minnesota – but they do sing about Minnesota. It’s a great example of them bringing an awesome sound to Minnesota and letting Minnesota seep into their music. I’ll make an effort to see them again.
Mystery Band – I thought we were seeing Maudlin, but this band wasn’t Maudlin. It was a man with an accordion and woman singing about so many dumb ways to die. Better yet, they were playing in what’s usually the punk hard rock location. It was clever and a fun change of pace.
JoJo Green – back to Otto’s Public House for JoJo Green. I have seen them. I always enjoy it. They were terrific and the crowd was with them. I wish I could have gotten closer but nice to let new folks meet the band – they are worth knowing. They were tight last night too. Also – finally got food. A yummy bbq sandwich.
The Hazy Phase – another new-to-me band. They have what sounds to me like a classic Twin Cities sound. The trio of hard rocking guys. It sounded great.
Brothers Burn Mountain – another new band – well new to me, apparently they have been playing together for 24 years. Something about their music caught my attention. It’s twangy, yet soulful. There’s a definite beat that could keep me dancing all night. There must be something in that Duluth water!
Joe Rainey – Pow Wow singer doing Hip Hop. It’s a natural fit they rhythm and the soul. I’ve seen Joe Rainey a few times. I appreciate him bringing audience participation and a call out to Creator because whether folks are feeling it or not I think that action is important and healing all around.
Space Money Mafia – but only sadness was that there wasn’t enough room to dance. The room was full of happy people skanking around. I love ska. Space Monkey Mafia always sounds terrific and they don’t leave their politics at home, which I also love!
Mark Mallman – seems I only see him at festivals these days, but he was doing what he does best – getting the crowd going.
My Grandma’s Cardigan – we got into see the band on our second attempt – it was a full room when we first tried. Funny enough, I think they have an almost disco sound – certainly a get-out-and-dance sound. But maybe with a Midwest sensibility. They are another band I get to see only at festivals.
Ruben – wow those are pretty terrific voices. They reminded me of Bev, although that may have been partly because of the location. A possible hot tip – either the Bike Shop has some amazing acoustics, or they get some amazing bands. I will see them again.
Jeffery M Kelly – plays with a wide range of musicians you would know but this was my first time seeing him. It makes me think of the storyteller with hard driving beats and a guitar. Another band you can dance – or just soak up the stories from the bar.
Porcupine – a band I’ve known for a while and a band I wanted to catch before more changes come their way and I was glad I did. Casey sounds awesome and the band works well as a four-piece. A great way to end night one!
Mostly Minnesota 