I was taken out by somewhat of a flu-ish cold last week, one of those nasty bugs that clings to the inside of your lungs. So forgive my absence here.
I’m excited to return to Bunkers tonight for TWINE, which always brings high-powered improvisation to each of three sets starting at 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
But TWINE has another big show Friday — an album fundraiser show — at The Hook and Ladder Theater’s Under the Canopy stage in South Minneapolis starting at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). Read below for more on the band’s efforts to release its first LP.
This week’s roundup includes the Cherry Pit Open Jam, Ari Narum Trio, Jazzologists, The Menagerie, Jumpsuit and the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, About to Run and Shotgun Ragtime Band.
TWINE, which has undergone some personnel changes since its beginning in 2022 with the twin guitar attack of Will Effertz and Kevin Fowke has settled into its current lineup, Effertz at the helm, along with acoustic guitarist Jon Miller, Brian “Snowman” Powers on saxophone, bassist Scott Yonke and Jon Hansen on drums (sometimes joined by Kale Winship).
But the band, despite having an uncanny ability to pull off a deep number of covers, does have a number of originals that fans will recognize.
And Effertz continues to write and compose new music, the likes of which have earned ear-worm status in my cluttered brain.
It’s high time they get some music available for at-home consumption — and there was some talk earlier this week of getting a single uploaded to the streaming services but Effertz couldn’t make any promises.
Wednesday, June 3
TWINEsday starts at 9:30 p.m. and ends around 1 a.m.
The Cherry Pit Open Jam at Berlin kicks off at 10:15 p.m.
Thursday, June 4
The Ari Narum Trio and Jazzologists play jazz and fusion at The Zen Arcade with music at 7 p.m.
Jaybee and The Routine play their weekly Bunkers residency at 9:30 p.m. every Thursday.
The Menagerie returns to 7th Street Entry, with Toadstool, Agony in the Living Room and Milk, with music starting at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 5
TWINE’s fundraiser runs from 7 to 10 pm.
Duluth funk outfit Jumpsuit joins the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra for the first of two shows, this one at Ely’s Historic State Theater. Music is 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 6
Dr. Mambo’s Combo’s celebrates Prince’s Birthday at The Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis. Music is at 7:30 p.m.
Jumpsuit and Mesabi Symphony Orchestra play the second of those shows, this one at Fregeau Auditorium at the Marshall School in Duluth starting at 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 7
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio brings that Hammond B3 funk to The Parkway Theater for a 7 p.m. show.
About to Run, the local Phish tribute, plays Icehouse’s patio, for an early show, with doors at 4 p.m., and music at 5 p.m.
Shotgun Ragtime Band continues their long-time Grateful Dead tribute at the Driftwood, with music staring at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Mambo’s Combo’s weekly residency at Bunkers kicks off at 9:30 p.m. and runs to about 1 a.m.
For more info, including ticket links, for all of these shows and more, head to my Minnesota Music Calendar updated weekly.