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Local Gig List: September 17-22

by Andrea Swensson

September 17, 2012

It's officially Funk & Soul Week in the Twin Cities, and the fine folks at Secret Stash Records have something happening nearly every day to mark the release of their hot new rarities compilation. But the funk and soul celebrations are just the tip of the iceburg in terms of local happenings; several artists have new albums coming out this week, while others are playing high-profile gigs and throwing killer late-night parties.

It may feel like fall outside, but don't hole up with your blankets and jammies quite yet. Here's a handful of can't-go-wrong gigs to give your week an added kick:
 

Monday, September 17

Dave King Trucking Company
Icehouse, Minneapolis
9 p.m., $5, 21+
Recent Modern Drummer cover subject Dave King has been playing lots of gigs in his hometown this month, including a pair of incredible Happy Apple shows at this very venue last weekend. Tonight, catch King marrying jazz improv with metal in his Trucking Company project, featuring Happy Apple bassist Erik Fratzke switching over to guitar, Adam Linz on bass, and Chris Speed on sax. Sets start at 9:30 and 11 p.m. (Andrea Swensson)


Tuesday, September 18

Chatham Ries (opening for Jesus and Mary Chain)
First Avenue, Minneapolis
7:30 p.m., $25, 18+
Heading to the Mainroom Tuesday to catch a rare appearance by Scottish white noise pioneers Jesus and Mary Chain? Be sure to get there early enough to catch local psych/shoegaze openers Chatham Rise (sample their sound here), who should appeal to fans of the influential headliners. (AS)

K.Raydio
Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul
9 p.m., free, 21+
Local music fans are probably already familiar with K.Raydio's voice, whether they know it or not. She's recently been featured on standout tracks by MaLLy ("Good One") and Homeless ("Get Gone"), in addition to working on her debut solo album. This free gig is a chance to catch her center stage. With DJ Neviator and Raising Monsters. (AS)
 

Wednesday, September 19

Very Small Animal and Mages
The Clown Lounge at the Turf Club, St. Paul
8 p.m., $5, 21+
Since releasing their Starlings EP, Very Small Animal has been playing frequent gigs around the Twin Cities, especially with their Yes!Lets Collective cohorts which include acts like Brian Laidlaw (who also splits time in VSA). Mages has been off the radar for a little while, but they were a Current fave at the end of 2011 and start of 2012. This is your opportunity to see both like-minded bands in a more intimate setting. (Jon Schober)
 

Thursday, September 20

Baskuetto
Icehouse, Minneapolis
10:30 p.m., $5
After a successful residency at the Red Stag, the Baskuetto crew is moving across the river to Icehouse, the new venue in town that seems to be booking some of the best local showcases in recent memory. This installment of the series will incorporate all of the guests that were ever present at the Red Stag and will feature the usual improvisational sets as well as a selection of covers. Featuring Nona Marie Invie, Holly Newsom, Maggie Morrison, Aby Wolf, Nicole Tollefson, Grant Cutler, Chris Bierden, Joey Van Phillips, Drew Christopherson, Adam Marx and many more. (JS)
 

Friday, September 21

Actual Wolf Vinyl Release Show
Icehouse, Minneapolis
10:30 p.m., $6, 21+
Eric Pollard has been busy in the Twin Cities this summer. Taking a break from his work with Low and Retribution Gospel Choir, the talented guitarist has embarked on his Actual Wolf project with tremendous success. He has had two EPs available on his Bandcamp for a few months now, but this show at Icehouse will be the official release of his full-band effort Lightning and The Wolf. With Ben Lubeck of Farewell Milwaukee. (JS)

The Brutes EP-Release Show
Hell's Kitchen, Minneapolis
10 p.m., $5, 21+
Ain't it just like a Minneapolis band to call it quits right as they're putting out new material? This EP-release show by rock 'n' roll champions the Brutes will double as their farewell gig, with openers Idle Hands and the Central Division on board to bid them adieu. (AS)
 

Saturday, September 22

First Annual Northeast Riverfeast
Historic Grain Belt Brewery Complex, Minneapolis
1 p.m., $10 adv/$20 door, all ages (kids 12 and under are free, under 21 is $5)
This outdoor festival will offer up a selection of Northeast food, beer, and wine, plus live music from Joey Ryan & the Inks, San Souci Quartet, and headliners Romantica. The kid-friendly event will also have lots of activities to keep the youngsters busy (bouncy castle, face painting) while mom and dad drink in the last days of summer. (AS)

Twin Cities Funk & Soul Release Party
Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
8 p.m., $13 adv/$15 door, all ages
Cap off Twin Cities Funk & Soul Week (as declared by both the St. Paul and Minneapolis mayors) with this all-star show at the Cedar, which will feature many of the artists on the historically rich Secret Stash compilation Twin Cities Funk & Soul: Lost R&B Grooves from Minneapolis & Saint Paul 1964-1979. With Wanda Davis, Willie Walker, The Valdons, and many more. (AS)

Fire in the Northern Firs LP Release 
Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis 
9 p.m., $6, 21+
Named one of our most anticipated fall releases, krautrock-meets-shoegaze pop group Fire in the Northern Firs will release Of Bones and Things at the Kitty Cat this Saturday, with openers Wiping Out Thousands, Hollow Boys, and Clap Chapel. (AS)

 

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.