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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Weekends in The Record Room in 2015

1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: FEB 6 Fifth Element and Push presents GET CRYPHY with PLAIN OLE BILL, JIMMY 2 TIMES, LAST WORD and DJ FUNDO

3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: JAN 16 First Avenue, Yelp, Party Science and City Pages present CERTIFIED DOPE! with DJ ESPADA and KEITH MILLIONS | A Hip Hop Dance Party

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: JAN 30 REGGAE NIGHT Reggae | Soca | Dancehall | Hip Hop

1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: FEB 7 TWERK DAT BOOTY BOUNCIN’ JAMS with DJ FooLProoF and ☁ (CLOUD) Twerk + Trap + Bass + Rap + Jersey Club = TWERK DAT

2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: FEB 14 Audio Perm presents DEQUEXATRON: A Rap Dance Party with BOBBY RAPS, TIIIIIIIIIIP, and SPECIAL GUESTS

3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: JAN 17 Hydrive Shows and Night By Night present LOUD YOUR KIDS Techno | Bass | Underground with WYLD LYF and SPECIAL GUESTS

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH | NEXT: JAN 31 URBAN AGENDA A Drum & Bass/Urban Dance Night with EASYRIDER, MC BRACE, and SPECIAL GUESTS

#First Avenue & 7th St Entry #the record room #dance nights #friday night #saturday night #dance party

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Most nights we throw rock shows… but every so often First Avenue hosts balls-out wrestling extravaganzas, too! The ring is up, and doors for #WRESTLEPALOOZA open in 30 minutes. Come party!

#F1rst wrestling #wrestlepalooza #pbr #pro wrestling #professional wrestling #burlesque #metallagher #arik cannon

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Tickets On Sale This Week: January 8, 2015

ON SALE: Friday, January 9 at noon CT

Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound Turf Club | FRI JAN 30 | BUY TIX

Dylan Gardner (early show) 7th St Entry | SAT MAR 28 | BUY TIX

Dark Time Sunshine + Friends Tour (late show) 7th St Entry | SAT MAR 28 | BUY TIX

Wand 7th St Entry | TUE APR 7 | BUY TIX

Tribal Seeds 2015 Spring Roots Tour Triple Rock | SAT APR 11 | BUY TIX

ON SALE: NOW

Radio Drive ft. Kevin Gullickson 7th St Entry | MON JAN 19 | BUY TIX

Daniel 7th St Entry | THU JAN 22 | BUY TIX

Old Desert Road Release Party 7th St Entry | SAT JAN 24 | BUY TIX

Quinn Tsan 7th St Entry | SUN JAN 25 | BUY TIX

Atomic Lights/Redshift Joint EP Release Show 7th St Entry | TUE JAN 27 | BUY TIX

Sisters With Soul ft. The Lioness | DRA Muzic K.Raydio | BdotCroc & DJ Keezy 7th St Entry | WED JAN 28 | BUY TIX

Doomtree w/Sean Anonymous & deM atlaS Grandma's (Duluth) | THU JAN 29 | BUY TIX

Svoboda | Flintlock | Personhurter Turf Club | WED FEB 4 | BUY TIX

Get Cryphy Seven Year Anniversary Mainroom | SAT MAR 14 | BUY TIX

of Montreal with Deerhoof Mainroom | SUN MAR 15 | BUY TIX

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Not long ago, "The Anarchist" Arik Cannon, host of Friday’s Wrestlepalooza, spent an afternoon discussing the finer points of professional wrestling, adulthood, PBR sandwich makers, and Jurassic Park in light of Friday’s upcoming Wrestlepalooza spectacular in the Mainroom.

Early in the conversation we established the concept of being a “grown-up” is getting ever more fluid these days…

Arik Cannon: I get to play pretend as an adult.

First Avenue: And you get paid for it. How the hell did you do that?

AC: It was an accident, really. I was a big nerd in high school, and I loved wrestling. A buddy I used to skateboard with, we were at his graduation party and he was like, “Hey man, this is going to sound really silly, but I know you’re a huge wrestling nerd, well my sister’s a professional wrestler and I don’t want you to get weird.” And in my mind I’m like, ‘YEAH?! So like, wait a minute. We’ve been friends for years and you’ve never thought to be like, ‘My older sister…’” and it just snowballed from there. It was ridiculous. I ate, slept, breathed everything pro wrestling.

FA: Were your parents ever worried about you?

AC: I got a lot of shit from my old man, like, “Hey, you know. You went and did this. You think it’s cool. We think it’s cool too! But it’s probably time you grow up and get a real job” and I’d keep going. Then he’d go “So, are you done playing dress-up with your friends ‘cause the real world is coming up?” But my mom’s been crazy supportive. My dad was pretty upset that I passed on college for it, but eventually he came around… The first time I was ever in a magazine with a picture, my mom found out and told my dad, and my dad went to Barnes & Noble and bought ‘em. Like all of them. My mom told me later, “Just so you know, as much crap as your dad gives you, he has one of those magazines rolled up in his lunchbox and he takes it to work every day.” So he was secretly super proud of me, and would bring that magazine to lunch and be like, ‘Oh yeah, look what my kid does!’ while at the same time coming home and busting my balls about “Sleeping in your car’s kinda bullshit, maybe you should figure out what you want to do with your life…”

FA: And then PBR came along as your personal sponsor.

AC: Way later, a couple years ago, I met Craig (PBR rep) at First Avenue, and I told him what I do, and he was like, ��That sounds awesome.” and we started trading emails, and at first he sent me an email [from his personal account] and I thought it was bogus. I was like “Haha, very funny. Who the fuck is this?” and he replied back “Yeah, man, you’re gonna fit right in!” from his Pabst account and I was like “Oh fuck, I almost blew this before it was anything.” But my mindset was like, if they give me $1 or *a* can of beer, this is successful. It started with a bag of beer cozies, some t-shirts and some hats then in the mail one day I got a fucking Pabst sandwich maker.

FA: What the fuck is a Pabst sandwich maker?

AC: You know how they have those grilled-cheese panini makers? When I shut it, it stamps PBR on the bread, which is ridiculous.

FA: But it’s really funny.

AC: Yeah! They help me and I help them. Not that wrestling fans don’t drink PBR, but I’m definitely putting it in their face and letting them know about it.

FA: How many times have you cut yourself with a PBR can in the ring?

AC: I’ve never cut myself with a PBR can.

FA: That’s probably good for everyone… On that note: how do you respond to people who dismiss wrestling for not being “real”?

AC: I usually do this… What’s your favorite movie?

FA: Jurassic Park.

AC: How many times have you seen it?

FA: Probably 50.

AC: And you know how it ends, that the dinosaurs aren’t real, but you still love and watch it?

FA: Yeah.

AC: I rest my case.

FA: Sorry I know so little about wrestling, but thank you for the amazing education you just gave me.

AC: No, it’s okay. Sometimes it’s better that way. People who know a lot about it are always jaded, like “I can’t believe you grew up loving that crap, and now it’s what you do for a living.” It really is an art. We paint… with violence. And men dressed like cats.

Don't miss all of Wrestlepalooza in all its majesty: two burlesque acts, Metallagher, two burlesque acts, a bunch of wrestling shenanigans, and more surprises than you can shake a stick at! Tickets still available here.

[Interview by Sarah Brumble]

#Wrestlepalooza #F1rst Wrestling #first avenue #professional wrestling #arik cannon #pbr #pabst blue ribbon #metallagher #burlesque #minneapolis #interviews #adulthood #jurassic park

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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This Week at the Turf Club - January 6, 2015

TUESDAY - THE HOUSE OF DOSH

Local multi-instrumentalist Martin Dosh will be bringing his talents to the intimate Turf, each Tuesday of this month. His eclectic layering of percussion, synthesizers, and various knobs and pedals have made him a crowd favorite here in the Twin Cities for over a decade now, known for his work with several other local projects such as Fog, Def Kith, and The Cloak Ox. He will be bringing special guests and friends every Tuesday, with a different theme each week. Come check out one of the most anticipated releases of new music, catch one or catch them all!

Sounds like: Four Tet, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin

WEDNESDAY - THE WOLF COUNCIL | NIGHTOSAUR | METADACTYL

Wednesday night will be featuring all local acts from right here in the Twin Cities, including the heavy and loud Wolf Council, self-described as “kick ass rock”-- members including Steve Williams, Jeff Paske, and Steve Post. They will be accompanied by heavy metal band Nightosaur, who has no problem ripping long guitar solos throughout their September LP release, Set Fire to the Mountain. Progressive rock/metal outfit Metadacytl will also be on the bill, another Minneapolis band. Their newest self-titled EP features heavy riffs and Patrick Tierney on guitar and lead vocals, and grips audiences with his aggressive lyrics and melodies. Don't miss these three budding rock bands this Wednesday night.

Sounds like: Deafheaven, System of a Down, Dinosaur Jr.

THURSDAY - BOBBY BARE JR.

Bobby Bare Jr will be returning to the Turf after a five year absence. In 2010 Bobby supported Jay Farrar, but this Thursday he will be headlining the first time here. His alternative rock incorporates several instruments and sounds, honing in grooves from the '70s in a notably fresh sounding approach. Sam Cassidy will be supporting this evening, a Minneapolis favorite known for his large group, and his neo-Americana vibes that the Turf audiences have come to love. Turf veterans Eleganza! will be also on the bill, who gained earned some notoriety here in St. Paul for their shows with Lee Bains and their headlining show in September.

Sounds like: Beck, The Black Keys, The 4onthefloor

FRIDAY - SAY HI | MIKE ADAMS AT HIS HONEST WEIGHT

Seattle native Eric Olbogen will be performing at the Turf for the first time this upcoming Friday night alongside Indiana indie rock band Mike Adams At His Honest Weight. Eric Olbogen, otherwise known as SAY HI, has been performing since 2002 and incorporates a classic rock feel into his synth-laden tracks effortlessly, a surely exceptional sound to be heard at the Turf. His SoundCloud page is filled with numerous tracks that are sure to win you over after a few tracks in. Mike Adams and his band will be performing tracks from their numerous Bandcamp releases, with guitar proficiency and an incredibly collaborative musical process, which is incredible live. Don't miss them, this Friday at the Turf.

Sounds like: Strand of Oaks, M83, Ben Folds Five

SATURDAY - GIRL GERMS Live Tribute To Women in Music

Local music writer Andrea Swensson of The Current will be hosting a very special event at the Turf Club this Saturday night. It will be featuring several local artists and groups who will be playing renditions of important women in music from all generations. Dessa accomplice and singer Aby Wolf will be performing songs by Kate Bush, local rockers Alpha Consumer will be covering Aretha Franklin, Kitten Forever will be paying tribute to Beyonce, K.Raydio will be performing Erykah Badu tunes, and Yoni Yum standing in for Marianne Faithfull. Many have been highly anticipating this awesome lineup, don't miss it this Saturday night.

Sounds like: Kate Bush, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce

SUNDAY - FRANKIE LEE & Friends (Clown Lounge)

Frankie Lee will be entertaining the crowd in the infamous Clown Lounge every Sunday this January, stop on by, because for only five dollars it is possible to catch one of the most celebrated folk artists in the Twin Cities currently performing. His weary alternative country tunes will make anyone shed a tear, filling the breaks with lyrics containing heartbreak, loneliness, and the drag of city life. Don't miss this heartfelt songs of local Frankie Lee every Sunday this month!

Sounds like: Bob Dylan, Dave Simonett, Neil Young

MONDAY - American Primitive with PAUL METZGER | STEVE PALMER | MATT HELGESON (Clown Lounge)

In the 1950's, guitarist John Fahey originated a style of music titled American Primitivism. It blends avant-garde, neo-classical compositions with intricate fingerpicking techniques leading to a very primitive and unique guitar style that was a major component of his discography and record label. In a free Clown Lounge show this Monday night, local legend Paul Metzger will be paying tribute to the genre for an evening of banjo and guitar picking. He surely has some surprises up his sleeve, so make sure not to miss this night of of the long-lost art of American Primitivism.

Sounds like: John Fahey, Colin Stetson, Bill Orcutt

[Andy Moe]

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Q&A with Dosh re: Turf Club Tuesdays

First Avenue spoke with local multi-instrumentalist Dosh, best known for his work with Ghostband, The Cloak Ox, Andrew Bird, and his phenomenal solo performances. He will be hosting a Turf Club residency [on] Tuesdays in January of 2015.

First Avenue: You're no stranger to the First Ave venues, so can you tell us about your relationship to the Turf Club and why you'll be hosting your residency there?

Martin Dosh: I've been going to the Turf forever. JT's longstanding Monday night jazz implosion was one of the prime factors in my deciding to stay in the Twin Cities when I moved back from New York in '97. It's a community place, a local bar, a place where you always run into friends even if you go out alone! The only other place that I would even consider attempting this at would be the Entry.

FA: You've listed many high profile Twin Cities acts that may be special guests including Ryan Olson, Jeremy Ylvisaker and Andrew Broder-- is there anything in particular you're looking forward to the most?

Dosh: That's an impossible question to answer. I'm excited about all four shows. I figure there will be a few trainwrecks, and hopefully some moments of bliss. Each night is going to have a different vibe for sure. With Ryan and Andy on the first one, I’m sure it will be intense. The second week will be more acoustic-y, the third will be rap night and the last night will be way more electronic. I have all the players lined up, but I’m not going to announce the week’s lineup until the day after each show.

Anticon and Graveface Records present The House of Dosh A Month Long Residency/Recording Session Turf Club Tuesdays in January 2015 with featured players DeVon DVRG Gray, Ryan Olson, Andrew Broder, Ryan Francesconi, JT Bates, Kristoff Krane, Nona Marie Invie, Joe Horton, Paul Dosh, James Everest, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Dennis Conrad, Cory Healy, Joey Van Phillips, James Buckley, Mike Lewis, Jon Davis, Chris Thomson, Erik Bolen and more $6/$8 | 8pm | 21+ Tuesday, January 6 Tuesday, January 13 Tuesday, January 20 Tuesday, January 27

FA: Tell me about some of your favorite local shows you've seen this past year.

Dosh: I haven't gone out to many shows this year, unless I've played on them, and that being the case, I loved seeing Hardcore Crayons at the T Rock, and a killer band from Madison, Czarbles[,] on the same bill. The Doomtree night at Icehouse was insane. Coloring Time a few times at Icehouse was fab as well.

FA: This year you supported Sylvan Esso and Tune-Yards in sold out Mainroom shows, tell us about that and your relationships with those groups-- how differently do you approach an opening set as opposed to headlining?

Dosh: I've known Merril Garbus for a few years now. Saw her first show in the Entry however many years ago, and I was like, "Damn this girl is biting my shit!" I think her evolution from the looping thing to where she is at now, with her bass player Nate, is nothing short of astounding. She has way more charisma than I do, and she's just an all-around great person. When they asked me to do a few shows with them this summer, I was floored. The fact she mentioned me from the Mainroom stage and told her little story about me blew my mind. The Sylvan Esso dudes also asked me to open a few shows, and while I wasn't that familiar with their stuff, it worked out great. They blew the heck up, didn't they?

As far as opening and headlining, I’m not sure if that applies for this residency, as I'll have more collaborators than usual. Usually it's just Jeremy or Lew-dog. It's a giant risk, but I think it will make for some good entertainment. I'm going to have my usual setup: rhodes, drums, samplers and giant mixer. The whole thing is going to be recorded. I'm lucky to have dudes like Alex Proctor and Jay Perlman helping me out on that end. The month should yield 6-8 hours of material, which I will release for free online, or chop up and use for future Dosh records…

FA: Do you have any new material you are planning on trying out at the Turf shows, anything that specifically influenced you in 2014?

Dosh: I have tons of new material, some of which I will likely try out at these shows. My biggest influence of the year was playing and recording with Ghostband. My stuff had been moving in a more dance-oriented way before we started [']labbing, but I learned a lot working with him. Hopefully we will have some Dosh & Ghostband vinyl for sale on the last Tuesday of the month!

FA: Name some of your favorite new acts from the Twin Cities that caught your attention this year.

Dosh: Adept, Allan Kingdom, tiny deaths. And all the bands I play in :)

FA: Any local groups you are interested in working with in the upcoming year?

Dosh: All the usual, Cloak Ox, Tropical Depression; Dosh & Ghostband will release our follow-up LP on Anticon sometime in late spring, so that's pretty exciting... I recorded some music in September with Chris Thomson, Patrick Harrison and James Buckley. I hope that stuff will get to see the light of day this year.

FA: Anything else you think we should know to prepare for your highly-anticipated Turf Club residency this month?

Dosh: I'm super happy that my friend Ryan Francesconi is coming out for the show on the 13th. He has been in Joanna Newsom's band for years and years, and he played a huge part in my last Dosh record on Anticon, Tommy. He is up for the challenge of these shows, and I would encourage folks to come check him out. He'll be doing a solo set at Icehouse the night before the Turf show, and his stuff is really amazing. In general, I'm just excited about the whole thing, I'm excited you guys asked me to do it, and I'm happy with all the response I got from all the players. It should be interesting to say the least.

Make sure to catch Dosh every Tuesday in January at the Turf Club, with special guests each week!

[Interview by Andy Moe]

#dosh #house of dosh #turf club #turfclubmn

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This Week in the Entry - January 5, 2015

WEDNESDAY - SLOSLYLOVE | SAYTH | WEALTHY RELATIVE | NORTH HOUSE | VENUE VANITY

Feng Meng Vue, otherwise known as sloslylove, is an exciting new electronic artist based out of Eau Claire. His newest release, Tendencies, was released on tape and digital only, being a huge fan of the analog format. His throwback use of synths and large dancey soundscapes are impressive for such a young artist. Vue will be joined by fellow Eau Claire natives, Sayth & Wealthy Relative, two wordsmiths making their 7th St debut this Wednesday. The two budding hip-hop artists have taken the University of Minnesota scene by force, winning the 2013 Battle of the Bands, ousting Hippo Campus and opening for Earl Sweatshirt. Forke’s production on many of the tracks is a culmination of years worth of beat making and is considered a master lyricist.

Sounds like: Chromatics, Cliff Martinez, Earl Sweatshirt

THURSDAY - DAN MARISKA & THE BOYS CHOIR | THE PERSON & THE PEOPLE | WYATT OVERMAN | ROBAT

Dan Mariska, Minneapolis singer/songwriter will be headlining 7th St this Thursday night. Mariska is no stranger to the stage, headlining and supporting shows at 7th St since 2012, winning over Minneapolis audiences with his intimate sets, and his likeness to other indie-pop stars including Ben Gibbard and growing up on indie-emo tunes has shaped his vulnerable singing. Though his new material crosses alt-country and hypnotic indie-pop-- he is surely an act not to miss. Nick Costa led rock band The Person & The People will be co-headlining, bringing their bedroom rock to the Entry for their first headlining gig, previously supporting and playing in the popular Tribute to the Replacements.

Sounds like: Ben Gibbard, Yo La Tengo, Dinosaur Jr

FRIDAY - THE MELISMATICS

This Friday in the Entry we will be indie rock group The Melismatics. Many will recognize the name from the many Replacements Tributes they have played in here at the Mainroom. They are Lollapalooza and CMJ veterans, whose work has been featured on many MTV shows, led by husband-wife duo Ryan and Pony Smith. Their group is commonly described as post-punk and classic indie rock, but consistently draw large crowds from their famously high-energy shows and relentless touring. The group has worked with Semisonic frontman and songwriting aficionado Dan Wilson. Opening will be local groups Two Harbors and the exciting Max Timander-led Stereo Confession, who put on one of the best Entry shows of 2014 a few months ago.

Sounds like: Ike Reilly, The Honeydogs, Neon Trees

SATURDAY - BUILDINGS | PINK AVALANCHE | WAVELESS

Minneapolis trio Buildings will be helping co-headline this Saturday’s Entry event, featuring all Midwest acts, including Chicago group Pink Avalanche and Twin Cities group Waveless. Buildings’ most recent effort, Melt Cry Sleep was released through douleplusgood records this past year, bringing a far more abrasive and dynamic sound to their music. Four-piece Pink Avalanche will be bringing their noise rock to the stage as well for the first time, with firm underground rock roots involved with their retro-rock soundscapes. Minneapolis’ Waveless will be bringing their grunge/garage rock to round out the night, performing behind their self-titled debut EP.

Sounds like: Naked Raygun, Pallbearer, Iceage

SUNDAY - BARTELL | IGUANO | VONNIE KYLE

Sunday night will feature an all-local lineup, consisting of indie-rocker Bartell, as well as the always hard-hitting Iguano, and singer Vonnie Kyle. This will be Bartell and Iguano’s debuts at the Entry. Bartell is an experimental rocker based here in Minneapolis, most recently was nominated for a song of the year by The Current, of his fantastic track “Tiramisu”. Joining will be muddy rockers Iguano, known for their high-energy dark rock shows. Vonnie Kyle, no stranger to 7th St, will be performing with his band, to perform tracks from her 2013 record, Run Run. She has both headlined and supported previously here.

Sounds like: Ani DiFranco, Dr. Dog, Fiona Apple

[Andy Moe]

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Q&A with Sean Anonymous

Q: Tell me a little bit about the rising hip-hop scene here in the Twin Cities, with budding artists like Spooky Black, Allan Kingdom, and Lizzo making big splashes this year-- and where you see it going?

Sean Anonymous: Minneapolis has had one of the strongest hip hop scenes for as long as I can recall. I think a lot of that is due to the large success of cats like Rhymesayers and Doomtree. Every time someone from the twin cities steps into the national spot light, more and more eyes get turned to Minneapolis... I'm constantly getting asked the "What's in the water there?" question.

It's especially exciting to see new rounds of artists getting that national (and global) exposure... It gives me hope for the future. It makes me even more proud to be in the spot I'm at, and surrounded by these amazing folks I get to call peers & friends.

There's been so many "holy shit!" moments this year. Like, "Holy shit, lizzo's on letterman", or "the stand4rd guys are hanging out with DJ Khaled"... Its a great look for them, but its also good for the whole MN music scene.

Long story short, I'm proud of all the homies doing their thing. Seeing people like Lizzo, The Stand4rd, Toki & Big Cats, Greg Grease, etc. killing it inspires me to be a better artist.

PBR and So Gnar present Sean Anonymous Birthday Show First Avenue Mainroom Saturday, January 10, 2015 with DJ Name Mike Mictlan Psalm One aka Hologram Kizzie Commanders Handsome hosted by Phillip Morris and Mark Mallman $8 adv/$12 door | 8PM | 18+

Q: I know you performed at several festivals this summer, can you tell us some of the different ways you approach a festival vs. a homecoming Mainroom show? What do you like most about each?

Sean: One major difference between doing the festival thing, and throwing a headlining show at First Ave is the preparation. This is only the 2nd time I've headlined in the Main Room, and even though I had a year to prepare myself since the last one, I'm still amazed by how much goes into making a show like this work. It has to be 100% of my focus.

When I was on Warped Tour this summer, I had to try my best not to get swallowed up in tour life. I lived on a tour bus. If I ate food, it was from catering. If a drank a beer, it was from catering. If you want to take a shower, you have a 5 minute limit, and have to wear sandals so you don't get "the fungus". It prolly sounds horrible and over-regimented, but it was truthfully one of the most liberating, eye-opening experiences of my life. Everything is taken care of, and that's a good feeling. Also, K. Flay, Plague Vendor, and DJ Nicola Bear were my roommates for a little over a month, so that was pretty tight.

That being said, throwing a show at First Ave, even though there's a lot more that goes into it, is one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. I'm so excited to be able to celebrate my birthday in my favorite venue ever.

Q: Tell us about performing with Doomtree at their last blowout, and a little bit about your friendship with Har Mar Superstar.

Sean: Doomtree are the forever-homies. It's refreshing to meet a group of people that are as nice as they are talented, and DT is just that.

I remember being at the first Blowout at the Varsity theater, it was right around the time I played my first show at the Dinkytowner, I kept thinking "I want to be up there". Fast forward 10 years, I'm riding around with Mike, and he asks if I'd like to do a song at the #LastBlowoutEver, and I was like, yuuuuup. It was an amazing experience. I'm thankful for any opportunity I have to rap at First Ave, but being able to do one song "hit it and quit it" style to a sold out main room audience is another experience all together. One of the best moments of my life.

I've truthfully only kicked it with Har Mar about 10 times. But he's always been real cool. I first met Mr. Tillman in 2012. Lizzo, RP Hooks, Brock Lammers, & I had driven all night from Minneapolis to New York for the CMJ marathon. First thing we did when we got to town was link up with Jacob & Brian from Me and My Arrow. We all met up at some bar on the LES. They introduced us to Har Mar. He was eating a plate of the most delicious nachos I'd ever seen in my life. I don't remember if they were all I'm making them out to be, but after being trapped in a car for 20 hours with minimum food intake, that cheese looked like liquid gold. Har Mar offered some of his nachos, I ate a bunch. I remember thinking "this dude is rad", and I was right.

Q: We all are hoping to hear some of your new tunes at the show-- how do you feel about playing new songs live? Is there something electrifying about an audience's first reaction to new material?

Sean: I love doing the new jams. We've only performed about 3 songs off the upcoming full length with Dimitry Killstorm, but every time we do, people have gone wild.

Don't get me wrong, I love doing the older stuff as well. It's great hearing everyone sing along... But the mixture of excitement/nervousness that comes from doing a song for the first time is such a unique feeling. I love it. We'll definitely be debuting a couple songs off of the album on the 10th.

#Sean Anonymous #First Avenue #first avenue mainroom #twin cities #Q&A #hip hop #music

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After days—weeks! months!—of preparation, we can’t wait to welcome you into our home tonight! Doors open in two hours. Come party with us. And at midnight we’ll have a balloon for each of you… literally.

#nye2014 #new year's eve #first avenue #mainroom #balloon drop #how to throw a party #behind the scenes #get cryphy #come party!#minneapolis

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Balloon drops are notoriously tricky. We used to make multiple nets of big clusters, but then one year a bundle dropped prematurely. Not all at once, but kind of in a trickle… That year became referred to as the “New York New Year’s.” So last year Wink (pictured) came up with a new system. It packs a bigger punch and is more foolproof but takes a lot more time to build. We lob the balloons in there… then somebody crawls under it all and “fluffs” them to mix the colors. One of my great joys is the time of year when I get to go online and pick out balloons. My plan is to have the little shiny stars on the bottom so that all night when the lights are flashing around they’ll reflect everything all nicely, not that anyone really notices. - Wink

#nye2014 #behind the scenes #first avenue #balloon drop #fluffer #get cryphy #how to throw a party #minneapolis

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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For starters, we build our own confetti cannons from a genius assemblage of PVC pipes and Nerf parts, then stuff them with hand-made confetti. “Why don’t you just buy confetti?” “We couldn’t find the kind that falls right. So this is the solution.” “How much confetti do we need?” “A metric ass pile.” “But I’m really worried about you cutting yourself.” “That’s why I was given this job. I’m the careful one of the bunch.”

#first avenue #nye2014 #behind the scenes #confetti cannon #how to throw a party #nerf #diy #get cryphy

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With just 12 hours left in the old year, we thought it’d be fun to show you some of what goes into throwing an epic party for a couple thousand of our closest friends… Check in all afternoon for behind-the-scenes peeks into tonight’s New Year’s Eve bash!

#new year's eve #behind the scenes #how to throw a party #balloon drop #balloons #first avenue

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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As this year comes to an end, here's some of our favorite tracks from 2014.

#First Avenue & 7th St Entry #Turf Club #favorite songs of 2014 #playlist

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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This Week at the Turf Club: December 30, 2014

TUESDAY – KID DAKOTA | ALPHA CONSUMER | INTERNATIONAL KARATE

The Turf Club will be going out of 2014 with a bang. A triple bill of incredible locally based musicians tonight, with Kid Dakota, Alpha Consumer and International Karate sharing the stage. Kid Dakota, otherwise known as Darren Jackson, gained much prominence when local legend Alan Sparhawk discovered his first EP in 2000, and released it under his own Chairkickers Union label, expanding it into a full-length EP. He has since released three albums here in Minneapolis. He will be joined by local trio Alpha Consumer, who has more experience than possibly any group in the Twin Cities. With their latest album, Meat, being released earlier this year, topping several local year-end lists for its tenacious and precise guitar riffs accompanied by singer and superb guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker (The Cloak Ox, Andrew Bird, Dosh). Tommy Rehbein, otherwise known as International Karate, will be also headlining, bringing his dream-noise rock to the Turf Club stage for the first time.

Sounds like: Talking Heads, The Modern Lovers, The Dismemberment Plan

WEDNESDAY – POLIÇA (SOLD OUT)

Following some of the best local rock bands on Tuesday, the Turf will be hosting the best of Minneapolis electronic groups both in one night, with Ryan Olson’s led Poliça project, fronted by icy-tuned singer Channy Leanagh of Gayngs. Through creative and experimental voice manipulation, the soundscapes, featuring two live drummers, and Leanagh’s soft voice work beautifully in unison, proven on their breakout critically acclaimed 2012 release, Give You The Ghost. Joining will be the experimental collective, Marijuana Deathsquads, who’s synth and vocal work can put a listener onto a completely different planet just seconds into any track. Their highly reverbed vocals are led by various local artists, including Ryan Olson, P.O.S., Isaac Gale and others, it is no surprise this show sold out as early as it did. Catch them both as the last show of 2014 at the Turf!

Sounds like: Sylvan Esso, Warpaint, Hundred Waters

FRIDAY – PETER WOLF CRIER

Based out of Eau Claire and Minneapolis, basement rockers Peter Pisano and Brian Moen are the duo that make up Peter Wolf Crier. Local listeners have been waiting anxiously for the follow up album to 2010’s Inter-Be and 2011's Garden of Arms. Their large fanbase in the Midwest has enjoyed their progressive work with simple-style rock rhythms, working to be not just another “band that sounds like Trampled By Turtles”. They’re an incredible live show and hopefully will be answering some questions regarding their highly anticipated next album. See you at the Turf this Friday!

Sounds like: Megafaun, Yellow Ostrich, The Daredevil Christopher Wright

SATURDAY – HAMMERHEAD | THE BLIND SHAKE | WAVELESS

The legendary Fargo-born, Minneapolis-based band Hammerhead will be performing at the Turf this Saturday night! The noise rock group consisting of former Vaz members Paul Erickson, Jeff Mooridian and Paul Sanders hit it big with their album Duh the Big City, followed by a breakup of the band. In 2010 the band members reunited for their Memory Hole EP and have been spotted from time to time on bills, but very rarely. Here’s your chance to see this highly influential Minneapolis rock group in the venerable Turf!

Sounds like: Nine Inch Nails, Shellac, Vaz

SUNDAY – FRANKIE LEE & Friends (Clown Lounge)

Frankie Lee will be entertaining the crowd in the infamous Clown Lounge every Sunday this January, stop on by, because for only five dollars it is possible to catch one of the most celebrated folk artists in the Twin Cities currently performing. His weary alternative country tunes will make anyone shed a tear, filling the breaks with lyrics containing heartbreak, loneliness, and the drag of city life. Don’t miss this heartfelt songs of local Frankie Lee every Sunday this month!

Sounds like: Bob Dylan, Dave Simonett, Neil Young

MONDAY – Trash Film Debauchery showing MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (Clown Lounge)

Movie screeners Trash Film Debauchery will be hosting Masters of the Universe for free this Monday night in the Clown Lounge! Come grab some food from our new kitchen and a drink for this NO COVER movie event!

[Andy Moe]

#this week at the turf #Turf Club #TurfClubMN #kid dakota #Alpha Consumer #international karate #polica #peter wolf crier #hammerhead #the blind shake #waveless #Frankie Lee #clown lounge sundays #trash film debauchery #masters of the universe #he-man #st paul mn

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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This Week in the 7th St Entry - December 29, 2014

MONDAY – ARI HERSTAND

Minneapolis-born singer/songwriter Ari Herstand will be headlining his first gig at First Avenue tonight in the Entry. This Los Angeles based guitar player previously attended the University of Minnesota and McNally Smith, earning appreciation throughout many venues including several local cafes. His UMN performances are still talked about today, winning over fans and critics alike. Herstand has performed solo since 2010, preferring an intimate set between him, his guitar, and the audience-- knowing for his stellar looping work onstage. Catch this guitar extraordinaire tonight!

Sounds like: Mat Kearney, Chris Koza, Matt Nathanson

TUESDAY – SUGA SHANE Layback Music 2 Mixtape Release and Pre New Year’s Eve Bash

R&B singer/producer Suga Shane will be hosting his mixtape release party in the Entry tomorrow night, titled Layback 2. Aptly titled, it is an easygoing R&B mixtape with some incredible production provided by many emerging producers in ATL. He can be compared to rising star Miguel, who has won over many fans from their intimate croons and use of expansive falsettos. While the mixtape can be found online, it surely worth hearing online, the 14-track epic would be the perfect soundtrack for winding the night down on one of these cold Minnesota nights.

Sounds like: D’Angelo, Miguel, Frank Ocean

WEDNESDAY – NAUGHTY NYE ft. TICKLE TORTURE, TAWST (DJ Shannon Blowtorch and Sophia Eris) - SOLD OUT

Minneapolis’ favorite sex-pop star, Tickle Torture, will be returning once again to his stomping grounds, the 7th St Entry this Wednesday night. Known for captivating audiences through the most sexual, eccentric, and shocking ways imaginable, this city cannot seem to get enough. His 2014 effort, the ambitious electro-funk Spectrophilia is a great live album, and with Tickle Torture’s stage theatrics, ticketholders know they are in for a show. This show will be hosted by Twin Cities darling Lizzo, and co-headlining will be TAWST, comprised of local veteran DJ Shannon Blowtorch and GRRRL PRTY collaborator and electro-R&Ber Sophia Eris. Those who jumped on early tickets are in for a spectacular evening at this long sold out show.

Sounds like: Painted Palms, De Lux, TEEN

FRIDAY – THE MODERN ERA, HOLY WHITE HOUNDS, THE MISSING LETTERS, and DIRTY LOUIS

Friday night in the Entry will be comprised of four co-headlining bands, all budding rock bands from the Midwest, four of them from right here in the Twin Cities. The Modern Era, Minneapolis founded, are not afraid to dive into the punk and garage realms of there otherwise-rock n roll classics, emerging as a promising band in the post-grunge scene with very listenable riffs. Des Moines group Holy White Hounds have been bringing swashes of synths to their brilliant garage-rock tunes, and their 2013 release Oh, Mama! was known for being one of the sleeper hits of the year. The Missing Letters, hailing from here in the Twin Cities, bring a timeless sound to the stage, with lead singer Jake Hall reminding audiences of a young Eddie Vedder. They are festival regulars here in the Twin Cities, and will also be joined this Friday by contemporary blue-rock n rollers Dirty Louis.

Sounds like: Cymbals Eat Guitar, Death From Above 1979, Pearl Jam

SATURDAY – J.E. SUNDE

Infamous for his co-founding of The Daredevil Christopher Wright, Eau Claire’s J.E. Sunde will be gracing the stage for his first solo show this Saturday night. He will be performing work on his newest record, Shapes That Kiss The Lips of God. Sunde’s newest work has been fluenced by the likes of Nina Simone and Leonard Cohen, fiercely honing in his lyric work using many of the rhythms and riffs he has been working on during his music life. A majority of the album was performed and recorded by Sunde himself, challenging his musical abilities and determination to finish the album. Catch this indie rock star performing his newest material this Saturday night.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Tallest Man On Earth, Jeremy Messersmith

[Andy Moe]

#this week in the entry #7th Street Entry #7th st entry #First Avenue #ari herstand #suga shane #tickle torture #tawst #lizzo #j.e. sunde #the modern era #holy white hounds #the missing letters #dirty louis

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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RIP Joe Cocker

The first artist to play First Avenue in April 1970.

#Joe Cocker #First Avenue #Minneapolis #MPLS #RIP Joe Cocker

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firstavenuempls · 9 years

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Tickets On Sale This Week: December 18, 2014

ON SALE: Friday, December 19 at noon CT

The Current’s 10th Anniversary featuring The Suicide Commandos with Craig Finn & Tad Kubler from The Hold Steady Turf Club | FRI JAN 16 | BUY TIX

The Current’s 10th Anniversary featuring Billy Idol with Steve Stevens (Acoustic) Turf Club | MON JAN 19 | BUY TIX

Elliot Moss 7th St Entry | FRI JAN 23 | BUY TIX

Seinabo Sey Triple Rock | THU JAN 29 | BUY TIX

RONiiA LP Release Show 7th St Entry | FRI JAN 30 | BUY TIX

Zach Heckendorf 7th St Entry | THU FEB 12 | BUY TIX

Mind Over Mirrors | Daniel Bachman 7th St Entry | FRI FEB 20 | BUY TIX

Theophilus London Fine Line | TUE FEB 24 | BUY TIX

Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line Turf Club | SAT FEB 28 | BUY TIX

The Twilight Sad 7th St Entry | MON MAR 2 | BUY TIX

Sidewalk Chalk Turf Club | SAT MAR 7 | BUY TIX

The Juliana Hatfield Three Become What You Are 21st Anniversary Tour Turf Club | SUN MAR 8 | BUY TIX

Girls Names 7th St Entry | MON MAR 9 | BUY TIX

Mod Sun Mainroom | TUE MAR 10 | BUY TIX

Blockhead 7th St Entry | SUN MAR 22 | BUY TIX

Quantic with DJ Vadim 7th St Entry | SUN APR 5 | BUY TIX

Caribou Mainroom | SUN APR 12 | BUY TIX

ON SALE: Saturday, December 20 at noon CT

Frnkiero Andthe Cellabration. 7th St Entry | TUE MAR 3 | BUY TIX

ON SALE: NOW

Jewbilee 2014 7th St Entry | WED DEC 24 | BUY TIX

Suga Shane Layback Music 2 Mixtape Release and Pre-New Year’s Eve Bash 7th St Entry | TUE DEC 30 | BUY TIX

Clown Lounge Sundays w/Frankie Lee & Friends Turf Club | SUN JAN 4 | BUY TIX

Buildings | Pink Avalanche | Waveless 7th St Entry | SAT JAN 10 | BUY TIX

Clown Lounge Sundays w/Frankie Lee & Friends Turf Club | SUN JAN 11 | BUY TIX

Blue Ruin | The Courtney Yasmineh Band | Infinities 7th St Entry | MON JAN 12 | BUY TIX

Weather Maps 7th St Entry | TUE JAN 13 | BUY TIX

Sambo Makti | Dosh Turf Club | WED JAN 14 | BUY TIX

Clown Lounge Sundays w/Frankie Lee & Friends Turf Club | SUN JAN 18 | BUY TIX

Clown Lounge Sundays w/Frankie Lee & Friends Turf Club | SUN JAN 25 | BUY TIX

The Green 7th St Entry | FRI FEB 6 | BUY TIX

Nikki Lane Turf Club | SAT FEB 14 | BUY TIX

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band Turf Club | FRI MAR 6 | BUY TIX

Matthew E. White 7th St Entry | WED APR 1 | BUY TIX

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