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Review – JT Bates’ Open Relationships music release at the Icehouse: Ambient takes center stage

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By Ann Treacy

JT Bates rang out 2015 by releasing his solo production Open Relationships at his Monday night series JT’s Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse. Bates plays with almost every musician in town from Alpha Consumer to Erik Koskinen to Free Jazz on Mondays. So there was some question, at least at our table, about what to expect, although having Mankwe Ndosi (culture weaver with stately voice) and  Davu Seru (noted improvisational drummer) play before was some indication. The music is more free jazz than Americana. [Read more…] about Review – JT Bates’ Open Relationships music release at the Icehouse: Ambient takes center stage

Review – Edgar Allen Poe’s Nutcracker (the un-ballet)

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Photo By Scott Pakudaitis

Edgar Allen Poe’s Nutcracker (the un-ballet)
Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

By Bev Wolfe

Interact Center’s Un-ballet Reveals Unexpected Potentials of the Human Experience

Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts works with artists with disabilities to produce visual and performing arts. It recently moved to a new location in St. Paul. For the holiday season, Interact produced an ambitious undertaking combining the stories of Edgar Allen Poe with the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. As a theatre ensemble, Interact flaunts conventional expectations of theatre performance to change perceptions of disabilities and the arts. [Read more…] about Review – Edgar Allen Poe’s Nutcracker (the un-ballet)

Review – Alex Crankshaft Larson’s rocking CD release at Famous Dave’s

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By Ann Treacy

Famous Dave’s was pushing capacity limits Friday night for Alex Crankshaft Larson’s CD release party. The band is rocking and fun. The sort of band that gets people on the dancefloor  – lots of people, some of whom look like they might be more accustomed to being on a Harley than tripping the light. It’s a party atmosphere, a very welcoming party. [Read more…] about Review – Alex Crankshaft Larson’s rocking CD release at Famous Dave’s

Review – J.T. Bates – Open Relationships

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Beats, buzzing and drones might be an oversimplification of J.T. Bates debut solo release, but it does encapsulate a small part of what Bates is trying to achieve on this album. If you’re into experimental music, you will need to give this a listen. [Read more…] about Review – J.T. Bates – Open Relationships

Review – Gospel Machine at the Icehouse: From Motown to Mod to Garage Gospel

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By Ann Treacy

If my church played music anything like Gospel Machine, I just might wake up early on Sunday to go. Although staying up late on a Friday night to see them at the Icehouse is a pretty good date too. [Read more…] about Review – Gospel Machine at the Icehouse: From Motown to Mod to Garage Gospel