Centerstage MN Comes In Under Parr

by Doug MacRostie

This week on Centerstage MN we're going to hear a live concert by Charlie Parr with an opening set from Nikki and the RueMates. It was recorded at the 331 Club in NE Minneapolis, a long-time hotbed of MN music, by KFAI, our sister station in the Twin Cities.

Charlie Parr is an amazing musician who has been more referenced as an inspiration for northern MN musicians than anyone other than Bob Dylan. He has a very traditional and "dark" presentation of blues music along with traditional and original folk. From Duluth, Charlie has helped define the music scene in NE MN, along with bands like Trampled by Turtles, as very raw and authentic. We've had Charlie perform live on Centerstage MN before, and thanks to KFAI for this opportunity to share another of his performances.

Nikki and the RueMates music has been played on Centerstage MN before, but we haven't been able to arrange getting them to perform in-studio, so it is very cool to have this opening set to enjoy before Charlie Parr. They are a 3 piece from Minneapolis ranging from acoustic blues to psychedelic folk.

Also, Maddi Frick will be talking with Troy Rogers about Bradfest, a memorial music festival, organized by the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation, that will benefit young Minnesota musicians and honor the the life of Bradley E. Rozman featuring an eclectic mix of local and regional live music, entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction, and more.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

An Acoustic Edition of Centerstage MN... (not really)

by Doug MacRostie

Tonight on Centerstage MN I'll be joined in the studio by local singer songwriter Pat Deal, he'll bring along his guitar for some live music and conversation. Pat writes his own music and also does covers ranging from The Beatles to They Might Be Giants. His original music (that I've heard) ranges from an indie rock sound similar to Sean Lennon to more of a pop-punk feel similar to Green Day. I'll talk with him about songwriting and the music scene in Grand Rapids.

I've got a new CD from Bill and Kate Isles called "Matching Baggage," which has that classic Bill Isles friendly-folk sound. His wife Kate has sung with him on previous CDs, but I believe this is the first time they have co-released an album. And I've got a brand new recording from Kiki and Greg of Dancing Light that they recording while in Florida last month.

Take Cover, the pop-rockers out of Minneapolis w/ bass player Chad Snell from Marcell, have recorded an acoustic version of one of their songs, and we'll hear that along with another new song from the all female indie rockers Sick of Sarah self titled debut release.

And, not only will we see the light, we'll love it, fear it and get over it all in one set of music with The Ophovens Family Band, Charlie Parr and Two Many Banjos. Also Haley Bonar, Matt Hoskins and Hattie Peterson.

Oh, and some exciting news - I've got an interview/in-studio performance scheduled with The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank which will be coming up in June - they're latest EP release is One for the Time Capsule and we'll hear a new song off that tonight as well.

Centerstage MN is every Thursday evening at 6 streaming live at KAXE.org, or 91.7 in Grand Rapids, 89.9 in Brainerd and 105.3 in Bemidji. All interview from Centerstage MN are also archived at KAXE.org, and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.