Before we get into The Setlist, here's a story for you.
This weekend, I went to see Keith Secola and members of the band RANGERS perform at a Fire in the Village event in Grand Rapids. The vibes and community were incredible: the whole room singing along to "Frybread" and "NDN KARS" alongside covers of "Light My Fire" and "Come and Get Your Love." I left lighter than when I arrived, and that feeling is still with me now, nearly four days later. As I write this, I realize I can't remember the last show I attended before that. That's rare for me.
This may not be breaking news to some, but getting out and seeing live music with others will make you feel good. Music is my life, and even I sometimes struggle to find the energy or time to get out there and take it in. But it's so worth it every time.
First up, Them Coulee Boys are coming to the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Thursday at 7 p.m. The Eau Claire bluegrass and Americana band released their fifth album, No Fun In The Chrysalis, last year, showcasing their sing along choruses and an added rock energy to their sound. I caught their Festival Rialto show last year, and the band is a ton of fun live (I promise I am not just saying this because I, too, am a coulee boy).
On Friday, Jeremy Jewell will be at Sampaguita in Aitkin at 7 p.m. He is a deep-voiced singer-songwriter from Rochester with one 2021 album. He also plays in the bands Calling Dinosaurs and The Hair Of The Dog. His sound draws from heartland rock, Americana and country. His website says he's "the most huggable guy you'll ever meet."
On Saturday, the Mae Simpson Band is coming to Park Rapids and the Armory Arts & Events Center at 7 p.m. Led by the powerful voice and energetic stage presence of Simpson, the group easily bounces from blues to rock to soul to funk, as showcased on the terrific album, Chandelier & Bloom.
Finally, two bands are playing Rail River Folk School in Bemidji late Saturday night. BlackFishBleu is an alternative rock and doom metal-inspired quartet from Bemidji, and A.T.O.W. is a jangly indie rock band with one single out called “Frogs in the Leaves.” Music begins at 8 p.m. and the event is 18+.
Thursday, March 19
- Them Coulee Boys - 7 p.m., Reif Center, Grand Rapids, $20 (advance), $25 (door)
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Reif Center in Grand Rapids on Aug. 5, 2024.
Friday, March 20
- Jeremy Jewell - 7 p.m., Sampaguita, Aitkin, free
Saturday, March 21
- Mae Simpson Band - 7 p.m., Armory Arts & Events Center, Park Rapids, $15
- BlackFishBleu, A.T.O.W. - 8 p.m., Rail River Folk School, Bemidji, $0-20 (at will donation), 18+
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
