This was my first Rochester Thaw. It’s been happening for 5 years. Sadly, this is the final year. They had 30 acts performing over 7 venues in a close neighborhood in town. Some venues are more pop up than others but it’s a fun way to spend time in Rochester. The music is varied, from angry hip hop to joyous rap, sweet songs in the art shop to an electric lineup in an upstairs venue that should be a basement jazz club. I saw some old favorites and some bands that are entirely new to me. (Bonus!)
We were able to see almost all the bands. (Love a challenge!) It was a bit of a hustle but worth it. Now I have a growing list of bands I want to see when they are closer to home.
Destiny Boyum has a sweet sound and a friend on stage. It was an awesome start to the event for us.
I can never refuse a punk-based band and so The Hollow Doubts was a nice gear shift and set the tone for a day of pleasant surprises.
Clay Fulton and the Lost Forty has a cool and breezy sound. And it was great to see one of the planners get to enjoy both sides of the coin.
I love the voices in Faux Pseudo and the elements of music through the ages in their sound gives another nice depth.
Maybe my favorite thing about Als Fona is their friends in the front row wearing the Als Fona merchandise. Clearly a well-loved band who has earned the adoration.
Maria and the Coins are the epitome of an indie pop rock with catchy songs and a buoyant presence. And who doesn’t love a train song?
Carriage House plays music that is both grounding and feels like the wind. It’s Midwest prairie brough to music.
Jillian Rae and her bandmates are so much fun to see. The music is danceable, the music is great but there’s a lot of social commentary in there too. A definite additive, especially these days.
ELOUR has a voice – an amazing voice. And she’s just about to go on tour, so there’s a scoop for you. It was great to see her in a new setting for me.
Hannah Hammond is from Rochester and it was great to get a look at what’s happening in the area for music. There’s an honest vulnerability to her music.
Leave it to Leslie Vincent to bring in all the glamour – even before 6pm. Leslie’s voice is incredible but it’s the personality that gets me every time.
BRUTE w/ DJ Sumthyn Sumthyn has some passion that befits the days we’re living right now. It’s Refreshingly cathartic.
Only sisters can pull off the harmonies you hear from PEGASIS, so no surprise that the lead signers are indeed sisters. The sound is modern, jazzy cool with a Latin undercurrent.
At just 15, Fiona Hayes is doing her time on the festival road and she sounds great. Last time I saw he was in a church – this time a shop. Great both times but a little too, in a good way.
Them Coulee Boys is a solid Americana band that never disappoints. It’s funny how you walk in the room and it feels bigger when they play.
Big Salt mean powerful women rocking out. Nothing I like more and Big Salt is always one of my faves. I snuck in a couple songs, which is a good sign when you’re on a schedule to see everyone.
Sawtooth Witch was so good I decided to see them the next night as well. True, but it’s band I know and love. Doc was solo but even then they bring feel that’s as nourishing as the sound.
Amateur was bringing the hometown feel and crowd. They sounded great and the locals were really behind them, which is good for band and audience.
All the way from Duluth, the members of Death Valley Yacht Club have voices that mash up so well and a casual attitude.
We should have known to arrive early for Hiahli after we saw their crowd last month in Red Wing – but even from the back row, the vibes were palpable and catchy.
I always enjoy LaPlant Road, it is a like a walk down the road their named after up near Grand Rapids. A breath of fresh, cool air.
The Gully Boys have been a band for 10 years. Yikes do I feel old. But the 10 years have been good to them. There’s passion and polish in that rock.
Surprise of the night goes to Kurt’s Russel’s Muscles; I could dance to those quirky beats all night ling.
Josiah Smith had a good group in rapt attention and we heard about being down in New Orleans.
Sleeping Jesus is a band with a sense of humor in the music and the video but on stage is all about the music and the rocking. In a we’re here to have a good time kind of way.
Nur-D can fill a room with his glorious voice, his presence and positivity. The video isn’t great because the room was crowded with dancers.
The Mac and Cheese band is a blend of Irish bluegrass – and like the edible mac and cheese, the band can work well for adults and kids. Depending the flavor of song.
Dakotah Faye brought some seriously joyful rap. Everyone on stage and off were having such a great time. The energy was just what we needed for the ride home.
Mostly Minnesota 