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Friday Five: Lizzo, John Mark Nelson, Gospel Machine, and more new Minnesota videos

by Andrea Swensson

October 24, 2014

This week on the

Lizzo Five

Friday Five, we have not just one but THREE new offerings from the Twin Cities' busiest bee, Lizzo, plus a pair of heart-rending new offerings from singer-songwriters living near and far, one of the most delightfully strange public television clips you'll ever see, and a video from an exciting new group that's playing the Dakota Jazz Club this weekend.

Lizzo goes to Paris

"Have you ever been to Paris? Me neither," Lizzo teases while running through the streets of France's capital at night. Her latest music video is just one of the many Lizzo-related offerings this week—you should also check out her moving interview on self-acceptance and body image for the What's Underneath Project, and by the way did you know she rapped the jingle in the latest Kohl's ad?

John Mark Nelson takes us on a journey

In the new video for his song "Boy," one protagonist seems awfully fond of hiking, fishing, and camping while his companion is NOT HAVING IT. But then we find out why, and it hurts so good.

Matt Hires

Although Matt Hires is not technically a local artist—he's from Tampa, Florida—there are lots of local ties in this new video for the song "Hold You Up." Here's the story: The singer-songwriter teamed up with Soul Pancake and Rock the Cause to make the song and video, which is a tribute to Cities 97 personality Paul Fletcher and his daughter, Elsie, who was born with a rare disorder that required intensive surgery. Proceeds from the sale of the track go toward the Ronald McDonald House, which Fletcher relied on for support in his time of need. The track was recorded here in the Twin Cities with support from Kevin Bowe, Steve Price, and Peter Anderson, and the video was filmed at Minnehaha Falls and on the streets of downtown Minneapolis.

Tickle Torture takes over public television

There are so many delightful aspects to this Tickle Torture appearance on tpt's new "TV Takeover" show—namely, the fact that the performance happened live on public television while a polite group of fans watched in quiet shock. I love the "Oh god, he's coming over here" look on people's faces as Tickle Torture's Elliot Kozel abandons his makeshift coffee table stage and heads out to writhe among the crowd.

Gospel Machine rev their engines

This was a new discovery for me this week, and boy am I glad to have found them. Gospel Machine is the new vehicle for Jayanthi Kyle's strong, sonorous voice, and she's teamed up with members of the Small Cities to create "garage gospel" music, which is just as delightful as it sounds. Gospel Machine perform tomorrow night at the Dakota Jazz Club as part of the venue's late-night series.

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