When Allison Russell and her band took the stage at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center to open for Hozier, it became immediately clear that the audience was in for something special. Though most of the crowd may not have been familiar with her, Russell is an artist far beyond the “rising star” label that can […]
To know Eric Clapton, you need to know blues music. After all, that’s where slowhand himself got his start with guitar. And while he’s ventured into pop music and acoustic ballads over the last sixty years of his career, Clapton always comes back to his roots in the blues. The blues have always had it […]
Words by Casey Carlson. Photos by Joe Lemke I don’t think there was any member in the audience that expected Pearl Jam to be seated for their first five songs. It seemed out of place for the band, whos been known for their electrifying energy and stage presence, right from their first ever shows. Even […]
Any fourteen year old who picked up an acoustic guitar to fulfill their singer-songwriter dreams has sat at the end of their bed, staring at the wall of their bedroom imagining it’s an arena full of screaming fans. They’ve imagined creating a riff on guitar that’s instantly recognizable, and leaving the crowd speechless with their […]
Ask any experienced concertgoer out there, and they’ll tell you about the religious aspect of live music. The sense of community, the emotional journeys, the passionate singing by both the band and the crowd like a hyminal. In the right setting, a concert can be just as much of a religious experience in a hockey […]
Jackson Browne and James Taylor could both pack a State Theatre or two on their own, but to be able to pack the Xcel Energy Center, on a Monday Night, was no problem for them both. With a packed catalog of hits and fans that knew every word to them all, Both acts were welcomed […]
I grew up on Pearl Jam on the North coast of Oregon, so it was amazing being able to see these guys in a sold out arena! Fans of all ages and walks of life gathered outside hours before the event. Sharing stories of their favorite albums and songs. I even met a woman who […]
Here are some photos I took before the show of fans and Xcel! The first two photos are of the line to buy merch. Paul Fletcher of Cities 97 and friends were also in attendance. The woman in the glasses was about to see Pearl Jam for the 50th time! Light workers had to climb […]