Last Tuesday night, I joined some friends at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN to see the masked metallers Mushroomhead. It was a night of five bands that were all new to me, one of those evenings where I think I enjoyed some of the support acts more than the headliners!
The first band was the only Minnesota act. Strate Jak It took to the stage shortly before 8 pm, and the dedicated friends of the band crowded around the stage to cheer them on. I thought they did a great job of opening the show, and got to chat with a few of the band members after their set.
The next act, painted rockers Amerakin Overdose from Portland, Oregon, impressed me with their stage presence. A few of the band members had started following me on Instagram a while back, so I decided to check them out, and I'm glad I did! I enjoyed their original songs and bought a CD and got a few photo ops with some of the band members following their turn onstage.
The third act, Columbus, Ohio natives UnSaid Fate, also impressed me with their performance. I made a point to buy a CD and also had a nice visit with the lead singer and lead guitarist. Another hungry young group with great talent that I'm glad to endorse and support!
I didn't really pay much attention to the final opener Mortiis, because I was busy hanging out with my friends and chatting with the members of Amerakin Overdose and UnSaid Fate some more. I also got to meet the keyboardist from American Head Charge, who had been invited to the show by one of the singers from Amerakin Overdose.
Finally, it was time for Mushroomhead to hit the stage! Although the only original song of theirs I knew was the soundtrack song "Sun Also Rises," I really dug their songs. Every band member wears a different mask onstage, and reminded me of Slipknot a little in that respect. They were launching into a very heavy version of Prince's song "When Doves Cry" when I got splashed in the face with water from one of the drums that was pounded near one corner of the stage. I was surprised but didn't mind because it was harmless and because I was having such a great time with my friends!
I got to chat with one of the guitarists after the show (still wearing his mask) and bid my friends a fond farewell before heading home. Next shows will be coming up Halloween weekend! Until then, have a great week, everyone!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Anyone Remember Loudness?
One of the rarer hard rock bands from the early 80's was the Japanese group Loudness. I've seen some of their videos on VH1 Classic before, and had friends who recalled seeing them open for Motley Crue back in the day. I'd never seen them before until just recently, and I'm glad that I finally got the opportunity!
The show was on Sunday, October 18th at G.B. Leighton's Pickle Park in Fridley, MN. I was going to the show anyway to support my friends in the "funk 'n roll" band the GoodBars, and it turned out to be a great time! The GoodBars took the stage about 8 pm and wowed the faithful fans standing in the front row. I remembered some of their catchy tunes from the last time I saw them (and from the CD I bought at that show), and left their set with a guitar pick and a setlist!
The next act, Mortificator, reminds me of early Metallica "speed metal." They played a quick set that had the crowd headbanging heavily. I rocked out with my friends, and walked away with another guitar pick and setlist (and a demo CD from the band at the merch booth)!
I got back to the front of the stage in time to see Loudness crank up the energy in the room with their classic hit "Crazy Nights." The four-piece has been around since 1981, and it seems like they haven't lost a step. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to see them live, as their stage set was phenomenal! The band also seemed very appreciative of the crowd too, knowing that many in the venue probably didn't know too much about them. I got another guitar pick (from their bass guitarist) and setlist before calling it a night, knowing that the next concert was soon approaching!
The show was on Sunday, October 18th at G.B. Leighton's Pickle Park in Fridley, MN. I was going to the show anyway to support my friends in the "funk 'n roll" band the GoodBars, and it turned out to be a great time! The GoodBars took the stage about 8 pm and wowed the faithful fans standing in the front row. I remembered some of their catchy tunes from the last time I saw them (and from the CD I bought at that show), and left their set with a guitar pick and a setlist!
The next act, Mortificator, reminds me of early Metallica "speed metal." They played a quick set that had the crowd headbanging heavily. I rocked out with my friends, and walked away with another guitar pick and setlist (and a demo CD from the band at the merch booth)!
I got back to the front of the stage in time to see Loudness crank up the energy in the room with their classic hit "Crazy Nights." The four-piece has been around since 1981, and it seems like they haven't lost a step. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to see them live, as their stage set was phenomenal! The band also seemed very appreciative of the crowd too, knowing that many in the venue probably didn't know too much about them. I got another guitar pick (from their bass guitarist) and setlist before calling it a night, knowing that the next concert was soon approaching!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
2015 Minnesota Twins Year in Review
For the first time since Target Field opened, I did not attend a Twins game this season, got too busy with concerts and life in general. I've been a fan since junior high, and was pleasantly surprised to see first year manager Paul Molitor turn around his hometown team, as they posted their first winning season in five seasons.
Some unexpected highlights were:
1. The first year stats of rookie powerhouse DH Miguel Sano (.269 batting average, 18 home runs and 52 runs batted in). I was surprised to see him and fellow rookie Byron Buxton being called up from AA, but they both provided a much-needed spark to the Twins' offense.
2. Much-improved starting pitching, anchored by Kyle Gibson (11 wins, 11 losses and a 3.84 Earned Run Average in 32 starts), Tommy Milone (9-5, 3.92 ERA in 23 starts) and rookie Tyler Duffey (5-1, 3.10 ERA in 10 starts). While some pitchers struggled down the stretch, there is a good foundation in place for the upcoming seasons.
Some disappointments were:
1. The less than impressive batting statistics from first baseman Joe Mauer (.265, 10 HR, 66 RBI and a career high 112 strikeouts in 158 games played). A former batting champion, Mauer was moved from behind the plate to avoid constant injury potential, but he responded this year with one of his worst statistical years ever. Hitting coach Tom Brunansky's teams have proved to hit more for power than average, but we should still expect better from a traditional power position, especially with Joe still on the hook for 3 more seasons at $23 million a year.
2. Some pitching fade outs by veterans (Glen Perkins, Mike Pelfrey and a few others) down the stretch killed the potential playoff momentum.
Overall, it was a very impressive season. A few things to consider in the offseason are:
1. Getting another starting pitcher or two to balance out the rotation and offset the inconsistencies and injuries of starter Ricky Nolasco (5-2, 6.75 ERA in 9 games).
2. Finding a position in the field for Sano. Although everyday third baseman Trevor Plouffe had a good year (.244, 22 HR, 86 RBI in 152 games), Sano's traditional position in the minors was third base, so it might be time to trade Plouffe for some pitching help. Since the team has seemed to lose all interest in once-promising outfielder Osvaldo Arcia (.276, 2 HR, 8 RBI before being banished to the minor leagues early in the season), it's probably best to send him to another team where he can try to recapture his potential.
3. Figuring out what to do with fan favorite outfielder Torii Hunter if he decides to re-sign with the team. Although his numbers tailed off in the second half of the season (.240, 22 HR, 81 RBI in 139 games) he was a clubhouse leader and mentor for young outfielders Buxton, Aaron Hicks and Eddie Rosario. If he stays, perhaps Hunter will be best suited as the designated hitter, and play right field a couple times a week at age 41.
Well, that's all for now - another concert tonight! Until then, have a great weekend, folks!
Some unexpected highlights were:
1. The first year stats of rookie powerhouse DH Miguel Sano (.269 batting average, 18 home runs and 52 runs batted in). I was surprised to see him and fellow rookie Byron Buxton being called up from AA, but they both provided a much-needed spark to the Twins' offense.
2. Much-improved starting pitching, anchored by Kyle Gibson (11 wins, 11 losses and a 3.84 Earned Run Average in 32 starts), Tommy Milone (9-5, 3.92 ERA in 23 starts) and rookie Tyler Duffey (5-1, 3.10 ERA in 10 starts). While some pitchers struggled down the stretch, there is a good foundation in place for the upcoming seasons.
Some disappointments were:
1. The less than impressive batting statistics from first baseman Joe Mauer (.265, 10 HR, 66 RBI and a career high 112 strikeouts in 158 games played). A former batting champion, Mauer was moved from behind the plate to avoid constant injury potential, but he responded this year with one of his worst statistical years ever. Hitting coach Tom Brunansky's teams have proved to hit more for power than average, but we should still expect better from a traditional power position, especially with Joe still on the hook for 3 more seasons at $23 million a year.
2. Some pitching fade outs by veterans (Glen Perkins, Mike Pelfrey and a few others) down the stretch killed the potential playoff momentum.
Overall, it was a very impressive season. A few things to consider in the offseason are:
1. Getting another starting pitcher or two to balance out the rotation and offset the inconsistencies and injuries of starter Ricky Nolasco (5-2, 6.75 ERA in 9 games).
2. Finding a position in the field for Sano. Although everyday third baseman Trevor Plouffe had a good year (.244, 22 HR, 86 RBI in 152 games), Sano's traditional position in the minors was third base, so it might be time to trade Plouffe for some pitching help. Since the team has seemed to lose all interest in once-promising outfielder Osvaldo Arcia (.276, 2 HR, 8 RBI before being banished to the minor leagues early in the season), it's probably best to send him to another team where he can try to recapture his potential.
3. Figuring out what to do with fan favorite outfielder Torii Hunter if he decides to re-sign with the team. Although his numbers tailed off in the second half of the season (.240, 22 HR, 81 RBI in 139 games) he was a clubhouse leader and mentor for young outfielders Buxton, Aaron Hicks and Eddie Rosario. If he stays, perhaps Hunter will be best suited as the designated hitter, and play right field a couple times a week at age 41.
Well, that's all for now - another concert tonight! Until then, have a great weekend, folks!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Slash and Co. at Mill City Nights
To quote the recently departed Yogi Berra, it was "like deja vu all over again." I found myself thinking this as I pulled into the same downtown Minneapolis parking lot on Wednesday where I'd just been on Monday and the Wednesday prior. This time, I was back in town to see Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators live in concert at Mill City Nights.
I joined my concert friends at the Loon Cafe just across the street. We caught up and shared some laughs before going to the show. The opening act (whose name I still don't know) was a rather impressive British trio, with some definitely strong Led Zeppelin influences. I didn't get to the merch booth to check them out, but thought they did a great job, especially since I wasn't expecting an opening act for this show either.
Before long, it was time for the familiar guitar stylings of Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver mainstay Slash to fill the venue. He and his band took on several hits from his first three solo albums and a few GNR classics. This was my second time seeing Slash, Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy and the rest of the crew in concert (well, technically, my third time, if you count listening to their set at the outdoor food and rock carnival in Clark, NJ last month while I waited in line to leave the festival), and their stage performance is always flawless. It was good to hear newer songs mixed in with classics like "Civil War" and "Nightrain." Slash is impressive as ever-you really just have to take a few minutes and admire his guitar playing at times, still one of the best musicians I've ever heard live!
I couldn't stay for the entire show (work the next morning, dontcha know), but still had a good time with friends. Until the next show, have a great week, everyone!
I joined my concert friends at the Loon Cafe just across the street. We caught up and shared some laughs before going to the show. The opening act (whose name I still don't know) was a rather impressive British trio, with some definitely strong Led Zeppelin influences. I didn't get to the merch booth to check them out, but thought they did a great job, especially since I wasn't expecting an opening act for this show either.
Before long, it was time for the familiar guitar stylings of Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver mainstay Slash to fill the venue. He and his band took on several hits from his first three solo albums and a few GNR classics. This was my second time seeing Slash, Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy and the rest of the crew in concert (well, technically, my third time, if you count listening to their set at the outdoor food and rock carnival in Clark, NJ last month while I waited in line to leave the festival), and their stage performance is always flawless. It was good to hear newer songs mixed in with classics like "Civil War" and "Nightrain." Slash is impressive as ever-you really just have to take a few minutes and admire his guitar playing at times, still one of the best musicians I've ever heard live!
I couldn't stay for the entire show (work the next morning, dontcha know), but still had a good time with friends. Until the next show, have a great week, everyone!
Chris Cornell acoustic at the State Theatre
Last Monday night, I got to see another 90's rock icon live in concert for the first time, as the voice of Soundgarden, Chris Cornell, took his Higher Truth tour to the historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. I bought my ticket months ago (after some struggles with Ticketmaster's online ordering system), and was excited to finally get to see this legend play live!
I got to the theater on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis in time to admire the classic venue, one that reminded me of the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud. I made my way to my balcony seat in time for the opening act, a solo female artist going by the name of Hemming, play several sad, soulful solo acoustic songs. I admired her creativity, as she made me think of the many wonderful independent artists I had the pleasure of covering back in my Muse Magazine days. I wasn't even expecting an opening act for this show, but I thought she did a good job of entertaining the crowd that was still filing in.
Before long, Chris Cornell took to the stage, graciously greeting the audience as he plucked a guitar from one of the nearby stands and began to play his first song. He played several songs from his new solo album Higher Truth, as well as a few well-known classics from his Audioslave and Soundgarden catalog. He also made a few homages to Minnesota, talking about coming up with the line "feeling Minnesota" in the Soundgarden song "Outshined," and playing a few Bob Dylan covers. He also played a great version of "Rusty Cage" in tribute to Johnny Cash's rendition, and a cover of the Prince-penned song "Nothing Compares 2 U," best known for the Sinead O'Connor version. I'd heard him play an acoustic studio version of this song a few days earlier, and wondered if he'd play it during the show. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this, a stark and stripped down version of a great song!
After a long set, including a couple of encore songs, the evening's music had come to a close. I was happy to finally cross Cornell off my musicians' bucket list! The next concert would be coming up soon enough for me!
I got to the theater on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis in time to admire the classic venue, one that reminded me of the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud. I made my way to my balcony seat in time for the opening act, a solo female artist going by the name of Hemming, play several sad, soulful solo acoustic songs. I admired her creativity, as she made me think of the many wonderful independent artists I had the pleasure of covering back in my Muse Magazine days. I wasn't even expecting an opening act for this show, but I thought she did a good job of entertaining the crowd that was still filing in.
Before long, Chris Cornell took to the stage, graciously greeting the audience as he plucked a guitar from one of the nearby stands and began to play his first song. He played several songs from his new solo album Higher Truth, as well as a few well-known classics from his Audioslave and Soundgarden catalog. He also made a few homages to Minnesota, talking about coming up with the line "feeling Minnesota" in the Soundgarden song "Outshined," and playing a few Bob Dylan covers. He also played a great version of "Rusty Cage" in tribute to Johnny Cash's rendition, and a cover of the Prince-penned song "Nothing Compares 2 U," best known for the Sinead O'Connor version. I'd heard him play an acoustic studio version of this song a few days earlier, and wondered if he'd play it during the show. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this, a stark and stripped down version of a great song!
After a long set, including a couple of encore songs, the evening's music had come to a close. I was happy to finally cross Cornell off my musicians' bucket list! The next concert would be coming up soon enough for me!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Wilson, Tremonti and Trivium triumph at Mill City Nights!
Last night, I joined some good friends for the Trivium and Tremonti concert at Mill City Nights in downtown Minneapolis. I was looking forward to hanging out with friends that I hadn't seen in a while, at least not since Saturday's Sevendust show, anyway!
My friends and I got to the tiny arena in time for the first band, Wilson, to take the stage. They're kind of a fun band that reminds me of Andrew W.K.'s band a bit. This was my first time seeing them perform, although I was at one of their shows opening for Crobot at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN a few months ago. I missed that set, however, because I was, shall we say, a bit distracted by hanging out with friends at the time. This time around, my friends and I caught a great set!
Soon it was time for Alter Bridge and Creed axeman Mark Tremonti and his solo band to take the stage. This was the artist I was looking forward to finally seeing the most at this show. They did a great job of keeping the growing crowd thoroughly entertained throughout their set. I'm glad I got to experience this with some of my favorite concert friends!
I didn't know much about the final band, Trivium, although I'd heard some of their songs from their upcoming album recently. Although we didn't stay around for their full set, I thought they did a great job with their heavy original songs, and really kept up the energy throughout their set. I left before set's end with a couple of good friends, with good music and good memories buzzing in my head.
Well that's all for now, until next time, have a great week, everyone!
My friends and I got to the tiny arena in time for the first band, Wilson, to take the stage. They're kind of a fun band that reminds me of Andrew W.K.'s band a bit. This was my first time seeing them perform, although I was at one of their shows opening for Crobot at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN a few months ago. I missed that set, however, because I was, shall we say, a bit distracted by hanging out with friends at the time. This time around, my friends and I caught a great set!
Soon it was time for Alter Bridge and Creed axeman Mark Tremonti and his solo band to take the stage. This was the artist I was looking forward to finally seeing the most at this show. They did a great job of keeping the growing crowd thoroughly entertained throughout their set. I'm glad I got to experience this with some of my favorite concert friends!
I didn't know much about the final band, Trivium, although I'd heard some of their songs from their upcoming album recently. Although we didn't stay around for their full set, I thought they did a great job with their heavy original songs, and really kept up the energy throughout their set. I left before set's end with a couple of good friends, with good music and good memories buzzing in my head.
Well that's all for now, until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Breaking Benjamin & 10 Years at the Myth
The day after the Sevendust show at Pickle Park, I went to the Myth in Maplewood, MN for the Breaking Benjamin show. Might as well use the tickets I got for free!
I got to the venue to find the line streaming for blocks in both directions. Playing it smart, I walked up to the VIP line and got right in. No need for nonsense, I figured. Plus, it gave me some time to catch up with friends who were at the Sevendust show the night before.
The first band, Starset, was one that I'd seen at a couple of outdoor festivals this summer, but I thought they had a little tighter production this time around. That and their video boards brought their space-age music together. I thought it had to be pretty warm in those spacesuit costumers for the guitar players and drummer, but they did a better than expected job as the first opening band.
The next band, 10 Years, was the one that I really wanted to see. They kicked off their short set with the title cut "From Birth to Burial" and "Miscellanea" from this year's latest album. Frontman Jesse Hasek is a very gregarious guy, and his "Who the Fuck is Justin Bieber" shirt and willingness to crowd surf deep into the pit made fans take notice. I always enjoy seeing these guys live, and got to chat with Jesse for the third time this year after the show.
Before long, the sold-out crowd got their first taste of Breaking Benjamin for the evening, as frontman Ben Burnley and company took to the stage with their hit "So Cold." This was a little shorter set than I'd seen in Scranton, PA the week before, but although the crowd was kinda quiet, I could see they were enjoying the performance. Last week's show was interrupted by a marriage proposal, and this time around Ben took time to toast a concertgoer's 21st birthday onstage.
There were a few interesting covers again, like songs by Tool and Queen and a metal version of the Star Wars Imperial March. I got out of the arena in time for the encore song "The Diary of Jane." For my second free ticket to a Breaking Benjamin show in September, I definitely got my money's worth!
I got to the venue to find the line streaming for blocks in both directions. Playing it smart, I walked up to the VIP line and got right in. No need for nonsense, I figured. Plus, it gave me some time to catch up with friends who were at the Sevendust show the night before.
The first band, Starset, was one that I'd seen at a couple of outdoor festivals this summer, but I thought they had a little tighter production this time around. That and their video boards brought their space-age music together. I thought it had to be pretty warm in those spacesuit costumers for the guitar players and drummer, but they did a better than expected job as the first opening band.
The next band, 10 Years, was the one that I really wanted to see. They kicked off their short set with the title cut "From Birth to Burial" and "Miscellanea" from this year's latest album. Frontman Jesse Hasek is a very gregarious guy, and his "Who the Fuck is Justin Bieber" shirt and willingness to crowd surf deep into the pit made fans take notice. I always enjoy seeing these guys live, and got to chat with Jesse for the third time this year after the show.
Before long, the sold-out crowd got their first taste of Breaking Benjamin for the evening, as frontman Ben Burnley and company took to the stage with their hit "So Cold." This was a little shorter set than I'd seen in Scranton, PA the week before, but although the crowd was kinda quiet, I could see they were enjoying the performance. Last week's show was interrupted by a marriage proposal, and this time around Ben took time to toast a concertgoer's 21st birthday onstage.
There were a few interesting covers again, like songs by Tool and Queen and a metal version of the Star Wars Imperial March. I got out of the arena in time for the encore song "The Diary of Jane." For my second free ticket to a Breaking Benjamin show in September, I definitely got my money's worth!
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