The Red Wing Big Turn is always fun. I’m having a hard time catching up with notes before we head out again. Big thanks to my friends Langen Goldstien and Laura Buhman. Walking between two well-known photographers with some fancy schmancy cameras gives a girls some proximity cool for sure. Also – such a fun night.
We started at the beginning, with Afflatus at the Elk’s singing about having fun with a relaxed and pleasantly meandering style that set the mood for the night. Well at least tamped down our drive to see every band and reminded us to slow it down.
The Old Smugglers at the American Legion was next – the band of “serenaders, rapscallions, and ne’erdowells.” They have that awesome snake oil salesman with talent sort of vibe. The gravelly voice and great beat. Also – I love to see a White Squirrel buddy on stage and you’ll hear me say that a lot about the first day in Red Wing.
Hailing from Northern Minnesota, Ditty Wish was well suited to the intimacy of the Framing shop. A little Simon and Garfunkel hit the spot on the cold night played with such earnest intention. It warmed me up and got me ready to the walk to the next stop.
anni xo always puts on a great show. That clear voice rounded out by a pretty stellar band. It’s always fun to see how a band you see in town will take to a new surroundings, such a bike shop in Red Wing. Since I said, I’d give out my White Squirrel nods, I have seen bassist Maddie Thies (who we spoke to in 2022) there and that’s always a treat!
It was fun to catch up with The Placaters, we had them on the radio show back in 2023. The music remains infectious and fun. It’s always a joy to see a great band just lean into the experience of the show. It makes the audience feel like an integral part of the work.
It was almost magical to see Sammie Jean at St Paul’s Lutheran Church. The acoustics and majesty made me realize – we weren’t at the White Squirrel anymore. (Where, yes, I have seen her.) Also a treat to see someone who has been on the show a couple of times.
I’m thinking Tony Cuchetti was a last minute swap out for Linus Cuchetti, given the similarity in names and the fact that the Big Turn website describes Linus at being 14 and the band I saw at Christ Church Episcopal. Either way, the band sounded great and at this time of year, between cold, ice and ICE, there were a number of unexpected changes.
Ironically, having The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League in the Sheldon Theater (one of the grandest venues) gave it an even more speakeasy feel. I suspect it speaks to the vintage of the room and the jazzy flavor of the music. The music is dreamy.
Speaking of dreamy, KODJ is young and just started playing music during COVID. He has the voice and the manner of an emerging heartthrob. It was my first time seeing him, but I’ll keep him on my radar. (Maybe he’ll show up at the White Squirrel.)
One wish for Big Turn is that Tators and Dillers gets more space. They have so many great shows, for the tight space. That being said, I was very glad to catch Enemy in the Sky, a duo with an interesting mix of media, drums and vocals.
Buffalo Galaxy is a nationally touring band; we caught them at the world’s famous Elk’s Lodge in Red Wing. Maybe I caught a lucky section of the set (for me) but it felt like bluegrass meets experimental. The sound wasn’t noise but watching them play together was, where they are so in sync they can all go off book for a minute and I was down for it.
Jordan Johnstone must have been another last-minute swap out. And once again, that worked out for me because he is an amazing showman. The whole band were as much fun to watch and hear. Another once I’ll keep on the radar to see again. He has a internal star shining hard on his performance.
We were sad to not see Larry Wish, but we were happy with this swap out of Zaq Baker. He plays with such authenticity and the songs we happened to catch were particularly touching and salient for the for the moment we’re living in. We have had the honor of having Zaq on the show – and turns out I’m pretty sure I’m seen him at the White Squirrel.
Charlie Parr, at the huge and packed Christ Episcopal Church, telling stories with a voice that could fill three such spaces. What’s there to say? It was awesome. We had Charlie on the show in 2019, and at least once during COVID and I’ve been lucky enough to see him play the White Squirrel. He’s like a favorite cardigan – he’ll fit what ever outfit you need him to fit – White Squirrel or cathedral.
I’m going to bet that Fiona Hayes didn’t think she’d be playing a pretty full church at age 15. Not because her music isn’t great, but it’s delightfully not-churchy! It’s the kind of act you’re hoping to see at a festival of 100 bands. Someone tipped us off, or maybe Fiona’s photo caught Laura’s attention, doesn’t matter, I’m a fan now.
MoeDeLL was our first venture into the new setup at the St James. The music felt very real, like a story someone is telling you in confidence but in a great voice. A classy setting never hurts.
You’ve got to love a band that treat’s a stage at the fancy St James Hotel like their own back yard, but Over Yonder does it with aplomb. It was impossible to not feel immediately comfortable in the setting. And just what I needed 16 bands into the first night of an amazing festival.
The Bored was like walking into a music set with the musicians dancing – in sync-ish on the dance floor. What could be more welcoming. They have a Motown flavor with a Minnesota spice. They’d be fun to see what when I have the time and space to dance!
Poison Ivy and the People have been on the radio show. I’ve seen them at the White Squirrel and they were one of the “must-sees” on my list for Big Turn. The music has a lot of energy and honesty and Ivy is an amazing front-person. I’m suspecting passion and experience on stage acting have helped a lot but they’re so compelling.
The room was packed, we were late, but I’m still glad we got to see Hiahli in the end. The energy was in the room. The good vibes. The great sounds. One of the few times, I felt too hot on a cold night! We have had Cold Sweat from Hiahli on the show and he has been seen at the White Squirrel.
Every time I see JoJo Green, I’m impressed again. The sound is very Saturday, being frank in almost any era that likes rock and jazz. We had Jojo Green on our COVID-inspired Zoom-radio show. They all showed up on the room, which was fun. Also a sign of the spirit of the band and it’s been fun to see the off shoots that are growing from solid roots – such as Zach MIller. (Zach I’ve definitely seen at the White Squirrel.)
What could be classier than Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds at the Sheldon Theater. She is another artist who as much fun to watch and hear. The charisma draws in every single member of the audience and even in the largest room feels like a cozy piano bar. Davina kept us going during another COVID-inspired Zoom-radio show.
Teeth was a new band to me, again a big reason I go to a festival. They have a very rocking sound with a solid twang. The vocals rise about the music in a lifting way. It was great to see them at the Chatter Nook Bistro.
Always fun to see ELOUR. It’s fun to watch the people who have clearly seen the band before and those who haven’t. There’s always a raised eyebrow on those long-held, perfect sounding notes. Lead singing Elizabeth has been on the show; her voice only gets more amazing at close, close range! And I have seen her at the White Squirrel.
From the stage at the Yacht Club Fest to Big Turn, I’ve seem Maygen & The Birdwatcher in some interesting places. They are fantastic every time, almost too fantastic last night with a very, very full room. If I were taller, the video would be better but I’m glad to see them getting well earned accolades. (We had the pleasure of talking to the band via Zoom, during COIVD.)
The Winter Sloths, from Fergus Falls, were another surprise, possible last minute-swap. The music is rocking and uplifting and I’ll take a little from each column, please. Also, I love the look of the drum kit.
Going to the Sean Anonymous show felt like being in the back row at the Whipple Building. I recognize quite a few people, who are usually closer to the front row of detention center protesting. But the passion and the message was the same. While leaving the Twin Cities was a nice break from the world, I welcomed the reminder that we are community.
Why Her is a three-piece band located in Winona. They feel like a small club in Chicago but maybe with a Minnesota back beat. Of course that might be part from the setting, back at the St James. They make me want to make it down to Winona before the Midwest Music Fest!
Bark Point is a Minneapolis-based and they describe themselves as “Earthy-Grass.” They nailed it. There’s something innocent sounding that brings you back to when all of the music was new.
The Hazy Phase is sort of bluesy, sort of driving, with a great voice. And the songs speak to the sick and tired nature of our time.
The surprise of the night, coming in at just the right time was Midwest Voltage. I was all in with the post-punk, metally sound and then the singer took stage. And now I’m doubly all in. Just mesmerizing.
I snuck in some MAUDLIN for my friend Troy. We’ve (well, fueled by Troy) have been fans for more than a decade. They played in a small space to a lot of people and it was like old times again. They still sound great.
Last band of the night was also a long favorite, The Von Tramps. Due to some sad pet issues, lead singer Jenna Enemy wasn’t there but the rest of the band did her proud. They came in hot with some anti-ICE music and kept is steaming with a lot of jumping ska!
Mostly Minnesota 