OK. Amy Winehouse is playing at the Varsity tonight, but her show has been sold out for quite a while already, and frankly, I’m sure you already know all about it. And I already told you about Ahmad Jamal’s show in yesterday’s Secrets. So, what other music can you see, hear, and feel? Don’t despair. Our little ole town has plenty of options.
MUSIC
A Little British Piano Pop Never Hurt Anybody
When I first visited Aqualung’s website, I actually thought that Matt Hale was referring to himself in the royal “we.” But now I’ve come to learn that the Aqualung name has come to encompass more than just Matt — including his brother Ben and his wife Kim. In fact, according to Matt, “Aqualung is not a band. It’s the name I decided to give the music I’ve been making since 2002. It’s written, performed, sung, produced by me. I am it’s legal guardian.” Ok. Works for me. Whatever. It’s nice to listen to. (And you say I’m not insightful.) In fact, it’s quite nice. He’s got a bit of Ben Folds in him, with a little less bite and bitterness. And if that’s not enough to inspire you, listen to Sara Bareilles, his opening act.
8 p.m., Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $15.
Love, Imagination, Dream
Well, if the headline didn’t stop you from reading this, I’ll try not to scare you any further. It’s simply the translation for the French words amour, imagination, and rêve, composing the anagram AIR, the name of the French duo comprised of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. “This often glum French duo makes space-age music for shoe-gazers, and they’re touring for their new record, Pocket Symphony.” Remember the music from The Virgin Suicides? It was composed by Air. No, not of air, by Air. Whatever. They’ve actually collaborated with Sofia Coppola on most, if not all, of her movies to date.
8 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-332-1775; $30.
A Genuine Taste of Local Flavor
If you want a real taste of local flavor, stop by the Terminal Bar. Yeah, remember that place? It was actually a pretty great place to catch some local acts back in the 80s, and hey — guess what — it still is (just more quietly). Stop in tonight and catch Amethyst Factor and friends celebrating their first annual show. You’ll immediately notice the Prince-inspired groove that Amethyst Factor’s Damian D uses at the core of every song — mostly originals, with a few covers, like Ray LaMontagne’s “Burn,” just because they’re that darn good. That song alone will be well worth the show if he plays it. Overall, the show offers a good sampling of five different local artists of different genres — artists from local acts ranging from The Wranglers, to The People’s Chariot, to (this is not)(this is now). Click the previous links and listen to them yourself. You’ll get a feel for what to expect and experience the variety. I mean, if you don’t like one act, you’re bound to like the next.
10 p.m., The Terminal Bar, 409 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-623-4545; free.
ART
Cultivating a Creative Connection
If you’re not up for music at all tonight, and are looking for another vehicle through which to channel your creative energy, check out the Solutions showcase. Local designers, artists, and activists will come together to share their ideas and pinpoint solutions through short, rapid-fire presentations. Each presenter will show 20 images for 20 seconds each. With each presentation staying under seven minutes, this leaves time for a great number of artists to share their work. You’ll be exposed to a maximum number of ideas, and the ideas will remain focused and terse. (Of course, if you happen to miss it, they claim to be posting the ideas in easy-to-view packages on their website following the event.)
7 p.m., Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-340-1725; $8 ($6 online).
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