What does it mean to be a rock star in 2010?  I remember growing up in the 1990’s when there were plenty of persons that I considered synonymous with rock star, like Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain, and even Rivers Cuomo to name a few.  Thinking back on the 1980’s it even seemed clearer.  Axl Rose, Bono, Michael Jackson, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Idol – the list goes on-and-on.  But today the pond has become murkier, and instead of hearing about rock stars, I am instead bombarded with the catch-all “celebrity” category, which can include people as diverse as Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Kobe Bryant, Barack Obama, Kate Gosselin, and …Bono!

Incidentally, I received an email last week about a band that played the Triple Rock on Monday night called 100 Monkeys.  This is Jackson Rathbone’s band from the Twilight movies.  Despite Keanu Reeves proving (in most people’s minds) that most celebrity actors should stick to what they know, folks are still trying to pull off a transition from film to concert stage.  Are you an actor or a rock star Jackson Rathbone?  Oh, I forgot, you’re a celebrity, and hence, both of these things!  Doesn’t anyone want to just be a movie star anymore?

“Movie Star” by: Lily Liver

Read more…

posted March 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 am MN Rock, Uncategorized Avenpitch, Pop Inc., Thought Thieves

Head out this Friday night for some Electropunk mayhem at Ground Zero, featuring Avenpitch, Pop Inc, and Thought Thieves.  Folks over at the Borang house are looking forward to this one, and not only for the stellar line up.  I think the last time I personally stepped foot in Ground Zero was for a Halloween party back in, oh, 2003?  I recall a great room and great sound.  With these bands, I only expect it to be better!

Here’s some fresh tunes to get you rollin’.  Doors open at 10PM.  Admission is $7 for folks 21+, and $9 for those 18-20.  $1 of all ticket sales will be donated to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort.

“Soon Enough” by: Avenpitch

“Looking for the KLF” by: Pop Inc

“All I Pretend” by: Thought Thieves

posted February 10th, 2010 at 2:49 pm Concert Announcements, Uncategorized Avenpitch, Pop Inc., Thought Thieves

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what goes into creating a great live show. Lots of times when I’ve heard professional industry people talk about it publicly they use real squishy criteria. To paraphrase, they might say things like “the performance must be spot on,” or “the artist must be fabulous on-stage,” or even “the connection with the crowd is absolutely necessary.” The problem is that none of these statements really say much of anything. For instance, what does it mean for a performance to be “spot on”? Or how does one be “fabulous”? Is it even possible to connect with a crowd, and if so, how?

The reasons I’ve been thinking about these things are two-fold. First, I’m now in school full-time again, but this time for marketing (yes, I know what you’re asking yourself – “Exactly how many professional caps can this clown cram on his head”?) Secondly, I saw a show a few weeks back where the band was selling it, and I was sold. I’m going to share that band with you in a bit, but first I’d like to share (however tersely) what I think “selling it” on stage is all about.

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posted February 9th, 2010 at 8:00 am Uncategorized In Pictures, Red Pens, The Goondas, The Hopefuls, White Zombie

In light of the tragic events in Haiti unfolding daily in the aftermath of the magnitude 7 earthquake, Borangutan is taking unprecedented action by asking our friends to help.  We have created a link to CBSWORLD- How To Help, for a list of legitimate relief funds.  The challenge to all of you is to donate your ‘cup of coffee’ allowance to one of these organizations.  These donations will help provide the survivors of the earthquake with desperately needed aid such as clean water, sanitation, medicine, temporary shelter, etc. as they cope with this disaster.  Let us know which organization you choose!

Listen to, a young, Joe Cocker sing, “With A Little Help From My Friends”, while you find your relief organization

posted January 14th, 2010 at 2:54 pm Uncategorized Haiti

Let’s just say that if there was no Bowie, there would be no TRANSMISSION. As a matter of fact, there probably wouldn’t be many of the acts that get played on Wednesday nights.

- DJ Jake Rudh

As such, Transmission will be paying tribute to the man of many personas and celebrating David Bowie’s 63rd birthday (which was January 8th) this Wednesday night at Club Jager. If you love Bowie, this is the night to be at Transmission, as Jake and guest DJ SLT from Across The Board on KFAI will be going deep into the Bowie catalog to make you dance all night long. Click the poster below to RSVP on Facebook.

Links

Transmission on Facebook

posted January 11th, 2010 at 12:53 pm Uncategorized Transmission

(Seein’ the Scene is a 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 local rock photographer Mike Minehart. We welcome comments. More images from these shows can often be viewed at www.mikeminehart.com.)

Ari Herstand - The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis - 9/16/09

Link – Ari Herstand

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posted September 24th, 2009 at 10:58 am MN Rock, Seein' the Scene, Uncategorized Ari Herstand, Hotdish, Ladyhawk, Natalie Adams, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Semi Precious Weapons, Sliimy, Sonic Jones, The 4onthefloor, The Alarmists, The Arms Akimbo, The Invincible Kids, The Melismatics, The Notties, The Proclaimers, Tyrone Wells

Greg Swan of Perfect Porridge forwarded me news of a forthcoming local music compilation for a great cause.  Hope Rocks Volume 2 is a lovely mishmash of local music that cross-cuts musical genres – from Soul Asylum to Owl City, Quietdrive to Haley Bonar.  Below is the official word from promoters:

“Hope Rocks! Vol. 2 Benefiting Faith’s Lodge” is a fundraiser for Faith’s Lodge, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping parents with a seriously ill child or who have lost a child.

Hope Rocks Volume II is a compilation CD of some of the Twin Cities’ hottest bands and solo artists who have come together to help support this amazing facility for parents and families in need of hope and healing.

There’s a CD Release event fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 2009 with a fashion show, emcees WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello, live auction and performances by The Bodeans (http://www.bodeans.com/) and Keri Noble (http://www.kerinoble.com/). Tickets are $150 and can be bought here: http://www.faithslodge.org/HopeRocks/

The CD will be available for purchase at all Twin Cities’ Target Stores (on the Cities 97 end cap) and on the Faith’s Lodge web site beginning September 27, 2009.

Tickets for the BoDeans / Keri Noble show at Epic this weekend certainly can’t be considered recession proof ($150 minimum), but, if you’re the kind of person who sets aside a portion of your finances each year for charitable giving, then this is an opportunity you should strongly consider.  If you can not make the show, then make a note, and the next time you step into your local Target store, search out that Cities 97 display and grab a copy of Hope Rocks Vol. 2.  You’re purchase will make a difference!  Below is the track listing and a video of Rocket Club, performing “One More Day” off the Hope Rocks compilation.

“Hope Rocks! Vol. 2 Benefiting Faith’s Lodge” tracklist:

1. Soul Asylum – Stand Up & Be Strong

2. Catchpenny – Can’t Let It Get You Down

3. Quietdrive – Deliverance

4. Solid Gold – Get Over It

5. Owl City – On the Wing

6. Jeremy Messersmith – Miracles

7. Atmosphere – Yesteday

8. Laarks – All the Words You Can’t Say Right

9. Ice Palace – Thoughts/Facts

10. The Wars of 1812 – Radios Unsigned

11. A Night in the Box – Let Me Know

12. Halloween, Alaska – The Hollywood Sign

13. The Cloud Hymn – Wide

14. Haley Bonar – Arms of Harm

15. Lynhurst – Exactly

16. Dan Rodriguez – Games

17. Rocket Club – One More Day

18. Keri Noble – Simple Things

posted September 23rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm Concert Announcements, MN Rock, Uncategorized Faith's Lodge, Hope Rocks Vol 2

Here’s a little bonus from our friends over at Northern Outpost, a live (in house?) performance by a local group previously off my radar.  Enjoy Hildur Victoria.

Links

Hildur Victoria – Myspace

posted September 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm MN Rock, Uncategorized, Video Hildur Victoria

Local band The Notties’ musical style is almost as unidentifiably original as it is reminiscent of a typical rock band formed in the late 70’s.  Their debut album, titled Poor Traits offers a unique combination of opposites in the track listing where each individual song represents a specific style, whilst consistently staying true to the overall identity of traditional old-school rock.

Lead singer and guitarist  Jon Ehresmann displays his dual talent in each song, backed up expertly by Matt Riehle on keyboard (and vocals) as well as Tim Liddicoat (guitar), Mike Menard (bass), and Andy Thornbrough on drums and percussion.  Within the 7-track listing, songs like “Pull Yourself”, “Hey It’s All I Can Do”, and “Deep Dark” are jewels that without a doubt assume a time warp into the era of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy and other similar acts.  The album titled-track, Poor Traits expresses the wistfulness of a haunting prior relationship, and the instrumental piece, titled “Emerald City” takes you on an imaginative journey into a far-away land.  This album will impress you with its authenticity as well as the multi-faceted talent of each musician.  The album will be available to purchase through www.irockthecause.org on September 18th, 2009.

A free MP3 of the advance single “Black Cats and Laundromats” is included when you buy your tickets to Rock the Cause Presents Rebels with a Cause A Celebration of American Music on 9.18.2009 at the Music Box Theater featuring The Notties.

Links

The Notties – Myspace

posted August 27th, 2009 at 8:55 pm MN Rock, Reviews, Uncategorized Rock the Cause, The Notties

Birthday bash?  Indeed, that pretty much sums it up, and here are two reasons why you should be in attendance:

1. Cecilia Garza is one of the most passionate supporters of local music in Minnesota, and this is an excellent opportunity to let her know how thankful we are to have her.
2. Look at this local line-up?  This doesn’t happen everyday, week, month, or even year!

So be there, or everyone else will notice you’re not.

Links

The Melismatics – Website / Myspace

So It Goes – Website / Myspace

Ready Goes – Website / Myspace

The Invincible Kids – Myspace

posted August 21st, 2009 at 2:43 pm Concert Announcements, MN Rock, Uncategorized ReadyGoes, So It Goes, The Invincible Kids, The Melismatics