| FEBRUARY 2012 |
| February 2, Thursday
Live Music 8 pm - 11 pm Joe Carey and Friends St. Paul singer/songwriter Joe Carey has been kicking around the local music scene for more than 15 years. Some folks might remember him as a member of Loft or from his current project, Love Songs for Angry Men. He released his solo debut, "Wondervibe," in 2003 and has finally gotten around to finishing its followup, the new "Sunflower Soul." It's pretty much a one-man show, with Carey recording most of the music himself. Yet it's not a collection of acoustic love songs, but rather a soulful rock record with a distinctly '70s vibe. Carey's rough, raw vocals might be an acquired taste, but his songs hit all the right marks. Ross Raihala - St. Paul Pioneer Press (May 14, 2009) |
| February 9, Thursday
Live Music 8 pm - 11 pm Davina and the Vagabonds “Hardest -working Blues woman in Minnesota, but……two things remain consistent at all her shows, though: her throaty but cushiony voice, which has a sort of hard-mattress comfort to it that’s part Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and a little Amy Winehouse, and her band’s rollicking New Orleans flavor, driven home by dueling horn players and a bayou-thick standup bass” -CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER, Star Tribune MPLS MN |
| February 16, Thursday
Live Music 8 pm - 11 pm Ken Valdez Ken Valdez has been called “The Best Kept Secret” by well known/respected names in the industry. This guitarist/singer/songwriter is grateful for the title, however, it is one he wishes to break free from. Born and raised in Santa Fe, NM, his love for music was apparent early on and it became his calling. In his own words, “…music was my first love. It has been with me from the day I was born and will stay with me until I die. Music is who I am. It is my everything." Valdez’s new work is raw, fresh and sharp. He has a rare blend of raw talent, sensitivity, and down-to-earth grittiness that gives his music a wide appeal. His vision, talent and drive have pushed the envelope on creativity and has developed another side to his already unique sound. The songs are real, the shows are riveting and Ken Valdez remains to be a must see, must hear experience. This “Best Kept Secret” won’t be a secret for long. |
| February 23, Thursday
Live Music 8pm - 11pm Soul Tree Born of Rock and Roll fire and raw sensuality, Soul Tree has a sound that is both gratifying and magnetic. This Minneapolis-based band released their debut EP, One Part Lonely, One Part Fire, in 2009 and have since seen nationwide radio play. Soul Tree performs upwards of 120 shows a year, taking the stage in venues across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their travels have also taken them to Austin, Texas where they performed during the 2010 SXSW music festival. Soul Tree is currently in pre-production for their second album and have plans to peform across the country in 2011, including another stop at SXSW. |
| February 25, Saturday
Live Music 9:00 - midnight Javier and the Innocent Sons featuring Hurricane Harold "Javier Matos and his band, HUD, play blues. Stone cold Blues. The kind that causes a circus of emotion in the gut: despair, excitement and elation. Recalling delta gods like Son House and Robert Johnson, Matos’ singing and slide guitar can be haunting and painful one moment, and uproarious and infernal the next. He’s covered just about every state in the union and has shared the stage with heavyweights like RL Burnside, Bo Diddley, Otis Rush, Billy Boy Arnold, Lucinda Williams and Brian Setzer to name a few. In 2008, Javier enlisted the talents of Grant Wibben on upright bass and Page Burkum on drums to form HUD's rhythm section. In 2009, HUD was joined by Twin Cities harmonica ace Hurricane Harold Tremblay, who now regularly performs with the trio." |
