There’s a wide range of styles in this week’s live music picks, from West African dessert blues to the GZA, who is playing Minneapolis’ long standing classy jazz club. And plenty of local acts, too.
For starters, I’n just going to highlight the International Reggae All-Stars, who play every Tuesday at Bunkers in North Loop. Which reminds me the time last year when Victor Wooten and his brothers, hungry to play more funky music after a pair of sets at the Dakota Jazz Club, showed up unannounced at Bunkers last year. Read about that here.
The International Reggae All-Stars graciously let the Wooten brothers take over their stage for about 40 minutes, and then went back to owning the room as they had all night.
If you love reggae, Tuesday nights at Bunkers is a great place to be.
The GZA, one of the coldest emcees in the legendary 90s hip-hop collective, the Wu-Tang Clan, is playing an early and late show Wednesday at the Dakota. Talk about an artist and venue pairing I would have never expected.
Picture the GZA backed up by a band with a drummer, keyboardist, bassist and fiddler. That describes the band he is touring with, the Phunky Nomads.
If you’re still struggling with the image, check out this full show below from Denver’s Cervantes last year.
GZA’s Liquid Swords is probably my favorite Wu-Tang LP, and watching this video myself and that wicked fiddler on “Dual of the Iron Mics” may have just sealed the deal for my ticket purchase.
If you caught Etran De L’Äir recently at Turf Club, you’ll want to catch Tinariwen, another long-time pioneer of the Saharan desert blues. They play Cedar Cultural Center on Saturday night.
If you’ve never heard of them before, check them out. God Herbie Hancock included them on his The Imagine Project about five years ago. Tinariwen, Los Lobos and K’naan all worked with Hancock on a combined track that covered Bob Marley’s “Exodus” and Alhassane Ag Touhami’s “Tamanant Tilay.”
Tedeschi Trucks Band is at the Armory with Margo Price opening Friday and Saturday.
If you are looking for something regarding local musicians this weekend, well Duluth’s Charlie Parr has a pair of gigs at the Dakota Saturday.
Gotta love the range that the Dakota booked on its stage this week.
Dr. Mambo’s Combo is tributing Sly & the Family Stone and Rufus & Chaka Khan at Hook and Ladder Theater Saturday.
Carbone’s in Minneapolis has a festival featuring local jam band TWINE and others Saturday.
Go to my calendar for more options and ticket links.
I’ll mention that Frogleg just announced their next Twin Cities show, at Fine Line Sept. 6.
Twin Ports Music Festival, which I have been personally involved with since its launch three years ago, will be moving to Bayfront Festival Park, teaming up with Art in Bayfront Park Aug. 17-18. The event is free this year! Saltydog, Babie Eyes and High & Rising are three of the eight bands in this year’s lineup. Head over to www.twinportsmusicfestival.com for more information.