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.