10 Bands Coming to Minneapolis

Upcoming Shows to see this Year

By Seth Lemmon

10.  SWITCHFOOT – STATE THEATER – $24 – MARCH  27TH

Starting things off at number 10 is the staple band of most Christian households, Switchfoot.

If you grew up listening to Switchfoot like I did, then you might not want to miss out on their upcoming show at the State theater in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. With a show walking distance from North Central University and a ticket price of only $24, this is a concert you won’t want to miss out on.

9.   YUNG GRAVY – VARSITY THEATER – $20 – APRIL 19/20TH

At number nine, we have none other than the Minnesota native himself, Yung Gravy. Hailing from Rochester, Minn., Yung Gravy has made a name for himself by utilizing samples from various classic songs and making them his own. Standing out as a rapper who has been able to blend the lines between what’s comedy and what’s real music, Yung Gravy’s show should be fun and upbeat. He’ll have two shows, one on April 19 and the other April 20 at the Historic Varsity Theater. This venue is less than 2 miles from North Central.

8. FAMILY OF THE YEAR – FINE LINE – $18 – MAY 6th

Family of the Year is a name that should ring a bell, even if you don’t know the name you might recognize one of their most popular songs, “Hero.” They’ve gained a big following since the release of this song, so being able to see them at the Fine Line Music café should make it a special show With a capacity of around 600, the venue is almost half the size of First Ave, giving the audience a more intimate experience when attending a show.

7.  SNOW PATROL – FIRST AVE – $35 – MAY 8TH

After a seven-year hiatus, Snow Patrol released a new album last year. They went on tour as an opener for Ed Sheeran, and now they’re back with a show of their own. Their last show at First Ave was in 2012, making this upcoming show a really special one. Anyone wanting to see Snow Patrol live should take this opportunity. Who knows, it could be another seven years before they come again. Accompanying them at First Ave is We Are Scientists, a relatively unknown band from California. Best of all, First Ave is only a 20-minute walk from campus.

6. VHS COLLECTION – 7th St ENTRY – $15 – MARCH 13TH

Out of all the bands on this list, VHS Collection might be the most talented. With their first track released in 2016, it has taken little time for VHS Collection to gain a fairly good-sized following. Using a mix of melodic synthesizer and mesmerizing guitar riffs, VHS Collection brings a fresh feel to an otherwise overdone and stale genre. Playing at 7th St Entry makes the show convenient for any North Central student with or without a car, and with tickets at only $15, it’s a good chance to check out a sweet venue and great band!

5. THE JAPANESE HOUSE – FINE LINE – $18 – MAY 1^ST

Another band that will be playing at Fine Line is The Japanese House. If you’re looking for a chill, low stress band to see live, then this might be the one for you. Using a mix of drowning pads and soft acoustics, The Japanese House offers a unique and calming music experience. Still on tour with their new album “Lilo,” I’m sure you’ll have the chance to listen to their new music as well as some of their classics.

4. GIRLPOOL AND HATCHIE – TURF CLUB (21+) – $16 – APRIL 16TH

The Turf Club is one of the grungiest venues in the Twin Cities, so if you’re into that then the Girlpool and Hatchie concert is perfect for you. The top half of the establishment serves as a bar, and the basement functions as the venue, giving the Turf Club a unique feel that other locations can’t replicate. Mix that with the fun, upbeat synth of Hatchie, and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable show.

I will note that because Turf Club is also a bar, this show is strictly 21+ with no exceptions. However, a $16 price tag means if you meet the criteria I strongly suggest you check this show out.

3. JUNGLE – FIRST AVE – $20 – MARCH 12^TH

If you want to talk about originality, then Jungle is a good place to start. With the whole band consisting of only two members, it’s easy to see how Jungle has managed to stand out of the crowd. Using catchy bass lines and heavy brass, any show of theirs is bound to be a blast. Combine that with the history of First Ave and the superior sound quality the venue offers, and this Jungle concert will be one for the books.

2. LOCAL NATIVES – FIRST AVE – $31 – MAY 21ST

Coming in at number two is Local Natives. Local Natives has been able to keep its music to the basics for most of their existence as a band, which makes their shows feel raw. They also don’t rely on heavy bass to oversaturate the concert, which is something many bands struggle with. With the announcement of their fourth LP, “Violet Street,” coming April 26, you can be sure to expect something new at the concert. With moderately priced tickets at a fantastic venue, this is a show you cannot miss.

1. THE 1975 – THE ARMORY – $50 – MAY 7TH

At number one is the 1975, a very popular band right now. With the release of their junior album, and the added bonus of The Armory being only a 15-minute walk from campus, it’s the perfect way to end the semester and start your summer. The 1975 is currently one of the most original mainstream bands. With a healthy mix of upbeat synth, catchy lyrics, and a solid amount of bass, the 1975 is the perfect blend.