We were just recently just turned on to MPLS.TV, and when we landed there, what did we find?  Lo and behold, most excellently arranged footage of Best New Band Night at First Avenue nightclub from a couple weeks back.  In the video you’ll find some live concert footage and  interviews with the artists and event organizers.  The City Pages‘ Andrea Swensson acts as your guide to the action, with a short usurpation by No Bird Sing’s Eric Blair.

Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure the microphone hand-off between Andrea and Eric was amicable.

posted January 29th, 2010 at 10:37 am MN Rock, Video New Band Night

Hey folks, I just wanted to direct your attention to an episode of MPR’s Art Hounds that aired yesterday.  One of Borangutan’s photographers, Mike Minehart, made an appearance to share a bit about Rock the Cause.  Other thoughtful submissions in the broadcast included that by Nancy Rosenbaum, speaking about Elements in Translation, and by Peter Flick, directing attention to the Frozen River Film Festival.

Listen to the broadcast below!

posted January 29th, 2010 at 10:24 am Music News Arthounds, Mike Minehart

Well, here it is, the end of Rock the Cause week on Borangutan, and I hope at some point in the past several days we were successful at imparting the strong message RtC has for you.  I’m just about ready to spring out the door to run the many errands I have before Glitter Ball tonight, but first, I received an email from RtC founder Scott Herold earlier this week that I’d like to share.  Scott’s story is Rock the Cause’s story; one man with a vision who helped others find that similar vision within them.  He sent over the following personal quote, but really, the heart of RtC is found in the music – the music of the artists who now perform for RtC, and Scott’s own music he created just prior to its founding.  He shared a bit of that music with us below.

I realized I did not want to be trying to make it as a performer in my mid 30’s. It was an expensive habit. I think the songs really get to the heart of what I am about. In some ways what is really working at the core of Rock the Cause. I am very proud of all the people who have made Rock the Cause what it is today. The energy, emotion, and dedication of everyone let’s me know that Rock the Cause will continue to be a thriving, innovative force in philanthropy and music.

- Scott Herold, CEO and Found of Rock the Cause

Scott didn’t send a name over for the following tune since it never went beyond the demo stage.  I’m just going to call it “Vision.”

“Vision” by: Scott Herold

Just for kicks, and in the spirit of music communicating meaningful change in our lives, this last one I picked just for you.  I hope I see you at Glitter Ball tonight!

“God Gave Rock ‘n Roll To You II” by: KISS

Links

Rock the Cause - Website

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities – Website / Become a Volunteer

posted January 29th, 2010 at 10:13 am MN Rock KISS, Rock the Cause, Scott Herold

“Rock The Cause not only hosts the best parties in town, but does what most of us rarely ever do – look passed the party and the glam.  Underneath every event are hard working people from local businesses and charities struggling to make a change in this economy.  Through its events, Rock The Cause is building a community that until this point has only been talked about.”

- Jon Chang,  St Olaf College Chairman, Music Entertainment Committee and Student

Recently Rock the Cause put together a little promotional video to answer those “Who/What/How/Why” questions people always seem to have.  Even Rock the Cause, an organization built upon a strong foundation of good-will and philanthropy, doesn’t expect anyone to follow any cause with a blind fervor.  Click the link below to check out the short video, and consider helping to rock the cause in the future.

Rock the Cause Promotional Video

On another note, have you checked out The Arms Akimbo yet?  If not, go visit their Myspace page and listen to some tunes, or follow this link to watch their live in-studio performance on 89.3 The Current.  Read an interview with them HERE.  The band landed a spot on Rock the Cause’s list of “Who Rocked in 2009,” and deservedly so!  See what they have to say about Rock the Cause below, and don’t forget to press play!

Rock The Cause is an incredible organization, comprised of volunteers who are truly passionate about using the power of music to make a difference in our community and beyond. This idea of making a measurable difference in the world can be overwhelming to say the least, but through partnerships with non-profit groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Free Arts Minnesota, Rock The Cause is getting it done; one life at a time! Their hard work and determination in the face of a daunting task is truly inspiring! As a new band in 2009, we’re excited to be a part of what’s going on at Rock The Cause and we’re looking forward to doing whatever we can to help them reach their goals.

- The Arms Akimbo

“Giving Up For Good” by: The Arms Akimbo

Links

The Arms Akimbo – Website / Myspace

Rock the Cause – Website

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities – Website / Become a Volunteer

posted January 28th, 2010 at 2:52 pm MN Rock Rock the Cause, The Arms Akimbo

The Plastic Constellations did an in-studio performance at 89.3 The Current earlier this month, and unless you were one of the 1,377 people who hit youtube to watch it, you probably haven’t seen it yet.  It’s worth watching, enjoy!

Links

The Plastic Constellations – Myspace

posted January 28th, 2010 at 11:58 am MN Rock, Video The Plastic Constellations

Thursday’s can be such a drag, right?  Well, tomorrow doesn’t have to be, so long as you get your keister out to the Bedlam Theater to support MPLS.TV.  Attendees may expect to be treated to the likes of Zoo Animal, We Became Actors, Bethany Larson and the Bee’s Knees, Paragraphs, Guante & Big Cats, & The Chelsea Boys.

Admission is $10 and proceeds will go to benefit MPLS.TV.  Be there!

posted January 27th, 2010 at 4:34 pm Concert Announcements Bethany Larson, Guante, MPLS.TV, Paragraphs, The Chelsea Boys, We Became Actors, Zoo Anima

Rock the Cause is really working hard to be a role model for College students. I am glad they have found their voice.

- Kent Linder, Development Director, Open Arms of Minnesota

How many times have you found yourself conversing with friends and had them drop the name of a website, telling you that it’s “one of the coolest sites on the web”?  Of those times, how often did you follow-up later on and actually visit that website?  Taking things one step further, once you were on that website, how much time did you spend poking around, really figuring out what it was all about?

We humans can have particularly fickle attention spans, and when given the option, we’ll often choose summary over depth of writing.  Yet who can contest that digging deep into a website can be a gold mine for education, enlightenment, and enjoyment if we only spend the time and attention needed!?  Well, I’ve done just that with a little site called irockthecause.org, and however much I would prefer you pay the site a visit yourself, I know there’s a chance that won’t happen.  So, I’m going to begin summarizing, and at any time you feel like leaving here and heading over there, you’ll be most welcome (but, come back later if you have the time.)

Some things I learned about Rock the Cause

Did you know?

Read more…

posted January 27th, 2010 at 3:17 pm MN Rock Rock the Cause, Stellar Vector, White Light Riot

The people at Rock the Cause have a great passion for the music scene and helping our nonprofits. I love whenever I get a call from them with a new idea to help us grow our base of support.

- Andrea Satter, Development Director – Free Arts Minnesota

Welcome back to Rock the Cause week here on Borangutan!  This week we’re showcasing Rock the Cause artists and partnered organizations each day in an effort to raise awareness for Minnesota’s hardest rocking non-profit (Rock the Cause) and the local charities it supports.

Yesterday afternoon we caught word that Glitter Ball 3 is sold out for this Friday night!  So if you didn’t snag a ticket, keep your eyes fixed to the Rock the Cause website for the next event.  In desperation you could try to loiter outside The Music Box and attempt to find a scalper, but something tells me Lady Fortune won’t be hanging out there with you.  GB3 ticket holders are in for one heckuva ride Friday, and the capacity crowd will be a cherry on top.  No doubt, one would need to be ridiculous to part with a ticket at this point!

One thing that makes Glitter Ball particularly entertaining (and to some perhaps, bewildering) are the many displays of anachronism that can invade the eyes at any moment.  This isn’t a mere night of cover bands playing a handful of cover songs – it’s more like rock ‘n roll theater, and Guns ‘n Roses will be taking the stage Friday courtesy of Minneapolis rockers The Notties.    After releasing their album Poor Traits last year, the band has been keeping busy supporting Rock the Cause and playing local shows throughout the cities.  But what will they do Friday night?  Will they play Paradise City?  (probably)  Sweet Child ‘O Mine? (Likely)  Patience? (if we’re lucky)

It’s So Easy? (No, they wouldn’t play that, would they!) 

This electrifying show should not be missed if you have any love for the 80s and want to feel good about helping our community.  Rock The Cause is a fabulous hard-working organization that The Notties are truly proud to be a part of.

- Jon Ehresmann (The Notties)

“Pull Yourself” by: The Notties

As mentioned above, The Notties will be masquerading as Guns ‘n Roses at this Friday evening’s Glitter Ball 3 at The Music Box Theater.  The concert has sold out, but the charities are still in need of your help.  Please consider visiting the links below and becoming involved in your local community and music scene.

Links

The Notties – Myspace

Rock the Cause – Website

Big Brother Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities – Website / Become a Volunteer

posted January 26th, 2010 at 8:01 am MN Rock Rock the Cause, The Notties

Seein’ the Scene is a (typically) weekly photographic presentation featuring images from some of the best local rock concerts Minnesota has to offer. These images are captured through the lens of Minneapolis rock photographer Mike Minehart. We welcome comments. More images from these shows can often be viewed at www.mikeminehart.com.

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Red Fox Grey Fox - 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis - 1/21/10

posted January 25th, 2010 at 10:17 am MN Rock, Seein' the Scene History Books, Motion City Soundtrack, Red Fox Grey Fox, Red Pens, Zombie Season

“Rock the Cause is a phenomenal organization! The RTC team has an amazing passion for helping local non-profits and have already helped our agency by recruiting a number of male mentors, which is one of our biggest needs.  We are tremendously appreciative for everything that Rock the Cause is doing to build stronger communities, one child at a time.”

- Nadia Siddiqui, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities

This Friday evening’s Glitter Ball 3 will be the first of many Rock the Cause hosted events in 2010, and to celebrate the kick-off of a great year for Minnesota’s hardest rocking charity, we’ve decided to declare Rock the Cause week on Borangutan.  Everyday this week we’ll be bringing you music and testimonials from Rock the Cause artists and partnered organizations, providing insight into what Rock the Cause is all about and why it makes the Borangs rush for their dancing shoes!

We might add we’re not the only ones taking note of this Friday’s festivities; Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak has also acknowledged the tireless efforts of Rock the Cause in our communities, declaring this Friday “Rock the Cause for Big Brothers Big Sisters Day.”

For more information about Rock the Cause’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Cities, check out a post we did a couple weeks back.  And without further ado, let us introduce you (or perhaps reintroduce you) to Alison Scott, a Minneapolis artist whose unique brand of soul has that special, graceful edge that makes one yearn for that coveted table, front and center, before her stage in an intimately lit Minneapolis club.  Please tell us you’ll play a show on February 14th Alison.

“Rock the Cause, where do I begin!?!  The group of people running this organization is top notch.  They are 100% committed to the project, and their passion is infectious.  It makes the rest of us want to run out and DO something.  I just feel like one of the lucky ones, to have been asked to be involved in this is truly exciting.  Besides, who else would ask me to tease my hair, throw on some leggings and rock out to ACDC????  If I knew that could raise money, I’d do it every day!  Ladies and Gents…help us Rock the Cause! -Alison Scott

“Stop!” by: Alison Scott

Alison Scott will perform at Glitter Ball 3 at The Music Box Theater this Friday evening, January 29.  Tickets can be purchased through Rock the Cause for $15.  Happy hour begins at 6:30PM, music at 8:00PM.

Links

Alison Scott – Website / Myspace

Rock the Cause – Website

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities- Website / Become a Volunteer

posted January 25th, 2010 at 8:01 am Download, MN Rock Alison Scott, Rock the Cause