There are an abundance of shows of note, many of them free, going on tonight through Sunday, thanks, in part, to the annual Art-A-Whirl festival in Northeast Minneapolis.
I’ll mention one I am quite excited about: Saltydog at Indeed Brewing’s Whirlygig (part of Art-A-Whirl), which is happening Friday through Sunday. Saltydog plays Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Duluth jam rockers killed it in March at their Zen Arcade residency in South Minneapolis, and Sunday marks the band’s first show back in town since then. Don’t miss the free show.
WEDNESDAY
Jay Lenz of Pert Near Sandstone has his monthly gig at 331 Club tonight. Lenz & Friends kicks off at 9:30 p.m. And this week he’s joined by Ian Alexy of Duluth. Alexy, brother of Teague Alexy, just dropped a new single, “There is a Light”!
TWINE has been taking their improvisations to new places each Wednesday night at their Bunkers residency. The funky fun kicks off at 9:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
So many options for a Thursday night.
First, I’ll mention Willie Waldman brings an eclectic lineup, including Andy “Padre” Miller of The Big Wu, Nicholas David, Lee Leanard of Jones Gang, among others, for an 8 p.m. start to the Eat Street establishment.
Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra has a 7:30 p.m. show at Saint Paul’s Palace Theatre.
Will Effertz has a pair of free shows with different lineups, first at 56 Brewing’s monthly WE Collective Artist Gathering, and then at Gluek’s in downtown Minneapolis from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
FRIDAY
Alex Rossi and his band play their regular gig at Bunkers in North Loop Friday with a 9:30 p.m. start.
Steeling Dan, the Steely Dan tribute band, along with Super Tramps tribute band The Super Tramps, play Hook and Ladder Theater’s Under the Canopy in South Minneapolis at 7 p.m.
Minneapolis drummer Greg Schutte is part of a jazz trio including Cody McKinney and Jeremy Ylvisaker at the Kickernick Building. The Art-A-Whirl event runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Lighter Co., at 7th Street Entry, earlier this year. PHOTO BY JAVIER SERNA/@jaminthestream
Two bands very much on my radar, Lighter Co., and Funk N Spuds, join La Salle and Chutes for a free night of music at Elias Metal Works in NE Minneapolis. The free event is also part of Art-A-Whirl. Funk N Spuds has a 6 p.m. start Lighter Co. plays at 8.
Muatas also has a free Art-A-Whirl gig at NE Treehouse at 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Lovers of hip hop should head over the Icehouse for legendary Detroit group Slum Village as they celebrate Dilla Day. Dilla, the late, great producer/DJ, was on original member of SV. The music is scheduled to start at 10:30 p.m.
The Wailers, made famous by Bob Marley, bring their island reggae funk to the Dakota for a pair of shows starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jon Sullivan Band returns to action at Shaws Bar in Northeast Minneapolis with a free 8 p.m. show.
Socktopus plays a 10 p.m. set at 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis, somewhat related to Art-A-Whirl.
Indeed’s aforementioned Saturday Whirlygig lineup includes Dylan Salter, Lighter Co., Obi Original & the Black Atlantics, Black Market Brass and others. The event is free and music starts at 11 a.m.
SUNDAY
Last but not least, Jim Hinkley and Will Effertz open for the Shotgun Ragtime Band at the Driftwood Char Bar in South Minneapolis at 6:30 p.m.
As always, find more details for any of these shows, plus a full calendar listing of every show on my radar, at my music calendar here.