Cold Kingdom EP Release show at the Fine Line

Drove home last night in the rain after a great show of all Midwest metal at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis. The show was headlined by my friends in the band Cold Kingdom, who were celebrating the release of their new self-titled EP and their upcoming tour dates with national rock artists Shinedown. It's been about four years since I first saw Cold Kingdom open for Nonpoint at the same venue, and I'm proud of the progress they've achieved in that time.

I got downtown a little early following a meeting for one of my volunteer groups, and I had time to have a bite to eat at the Loon Cafe and watch some of the local college and high school playoff games before sauntering over to the arena. I got in line in time to catch up with some friends, and I was glad to meet a few friends that I hadn't seen since last year.

Shortly after 8 pm,  the first opener, Eris, took the stage. I didn't know much about the band, but I enjoyed their songs and stage presence. I also enjoyed catching up with their drummer after the show, making sure I thanked him for the experience.

The second band, Omaha-based Arson City, was one I'd heard a lot of good things about on social media from friends, but had missed their first MN tour date a while back. They kept the crowd going with their onstage antics and driving beats throughout their set. I made a mental note to check out more of their music online later.

The final openers, local favorites Throw the Fight, were a band I hadn't seen since their headlining date at  the now-closed Park in Fridley last fall. They ran through a quick dozen songs of orginal and cover music, and by the time they stepped off stage, every one was eagerly awaiting Cold Kingdom.

When I walked into the Fine Line, I bought a handful of copies for myself and a few other friends who couldn't make it to the show. Their shows are not to be missed, chock-full of energy, electricity and great music!

I happened to be second row front and center by the time Throw the Fight took the stage, and by the time Cold Kingdom kicked off their set with one of their hits, I was happy to see more familiar friendly faces of friends surrounding me in the audience. The new songs are tight, produced by Eric Bass of Shinedown. I highly recommend seeing them with Shinedown if their tour is in a city near you! Get there early, you won't be disappointed!

Well, that's probably my last show in March-weekday shows are kinda hard for me to attend since I'm working full-time again. Until the next show, have a great week, everyone!

Bucky's March Madness

To me, March Madness isn't about the college basketball tournament or any of the high school state tournaments. March is usually a pretty hectic month for me with work, volunteer commitments and of course, great music!

Last weekend, I went to my first rock show in a couple of months featuring my friends in Matrekis at Lee's Liquor Lounge in downtown Minneapolis. I didn't get to stick around long enough to hear headliners Maiden Minneapolis, but it was great seeing some old friends and meeting my friend Tamaris from Indianapolis for the first time in person.

On Friday night, I decided to avoid the busy St. Patrick's Day evening crowds and go to a show closer to home, an Ace Frehley tribute show headlined by my buddy Izzy, who flew in from Los Angeles for the show. This was my first time catching his show, and I was impressed! Great long set of songs, and a few surprise guests from the audience thrown in for good measure.

It was great to hear some popular and deeper cuts from Ace and Kiss' catalog, and a few popular covers thrown in from Izzy and his band and the opening Ronnie James Dio tribute band. It was also great to catch up with Izzy after the show.

Last night, I decided to attend my friends in Blue Felix's first-ever acoustic show. The evening began with a few acoustic originals and covers from Blayne Soyvia with a little help from his former Fifth Hour bandmate Mike on a couple of songs.

Soon after, it was time for Blue Felix to take to the stage for a historic all-ages show. It was great hearing some classics reworked acoustically and a few popular cover songs.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to the merch table afterwards, but I'm glad I got to congratulate a few of the band members on a successful show, and get a few autographs from the show poster I nabbed from one of the walls at Niesen's in Savage to add to my rock & roll wall of fame. 

It was great to see so many familiar faces out on a nice Saturday night to support live music in Minnesota, and spend time catching up with old friends.

Sorry this post is more focused on photos than words, but to me, spending time with quality friends is what enjoying live music is really all about.

Got a few more great shows lined up for the first full month of spring. Until then, have a great week, everyone!