The clock is ticking all the way down to 2024, and it’s an incredible time to go say goodbye to 2023 with music, art and performance. Make a wish and exit with a bang, with Alpha Consumer, All Tomorrow’s Petty, Caroline Smith, or Barbara Cohen and her talented collaborators. Also this week: art by Robert DesJarlait can be on view in East Saint Paul, and in Marine on St. Croix, a radio play version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” awaits.
Alpha Consumer
The expansive talent of Alpha Consumer musicians JT Bates, Mike Lewis, and Jeremy Ylvisaker will take center stage twice at Icehouse for each a dinner and a late show set. Collectively, the band members have played with the likes of Andrew Bird, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, The Pines, and more, and have a particular sound that’s each experimental and classic once they get together.
Thursday, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Icehouse ($17 upfront, $22 on the door). More information here.
All Tomorrow’s Petty
Searching for something fun to do with a gaggle of friends, with good tunes played well and a genial vibe? All Tomorrow’s Petty matches the bill. The group, made up of Twin Cities musicians who’ve established careers, come together for his or her mutual respect for the late rocker, and know find out how to placed on a celebration.
They perform with Molly Brandt on Thursday, December 28 and with LAAMAR on Friday, Dec. 29 on the Turf Club at 8:30 p.m. ($18-$20). More information here.
Robert DesJarlait: Mitig Giichaaginaan (Woodland Soul-Spirit)
Ojibwe artist Robert DesJarlait, a member of Red Lake Nation, can have work on view at ArT @ 967 Payne, a gallery on the East side of Saint Paul this week. An educator, activist, painter, muralist, author, historian, and illustrator, DesJarlait’s colourful work blends dreamlike wonder with cultural motifs and symbolism. DesJarlait renewed concentrate on his painting full time starting in 2019, after surviving two bouts with cancer. You’ll be able to see the fantastic thing about his latest work on the show.
The opening reception takes place Friday, Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (free). More information here.
Barbara Cohen + Little Lizard Reunion Concert
From Minnesota to Los Angeles and back again, Barbara Cohen has made all styles of music, from the alt country/folk band Farm Accident to the triphop duo Brother Sun Sister Moon with Information Society’s Paul Robb, to the people sounds of Little Lizard. Cohen has also established herself as a solo artist and as a composer for film and tv. This week, she teams up along with her former bandmates from Little Lizard for a reunion show, performing alongside cellist Jacqueline Ultan, guitarist Jeremy Ylivisaker and percussionist Marc Anderson. For the show, also featuring one other Minneapolis band, the Hangups, Cohen will release her latest single, a pensive ballad called “Let it Out.”
Saturday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at The Hook & Ladder ($10-15). More information here.
Caroline Smith: Half About Being A Woman – 10 12 months Anniversary Show
In 2013, Caroline Smith transitioned right into a latest stage of her profession, releasing her first solo album after wide success with the post folk band Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps. The brand new album, “Half About Being a Woman,” established Smith as a strong songwriter with an fringe of soul. Since then, Smith moved to Los Angeles, signing with Neon Gold Records as Your Smith, before moving to Stillwater along with her partner, Adam To, and starting a restaurant. This week, Smith throws back to that first solo album with an anniversary concert together with special guests.
Rafaella opens Saturday, Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. ($22-$25). More information here.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Live Radio Play + Brian Wicklund and the Barley Jacks
You’ve seen the film, now experience “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a radio play, complete with live sound effects and live music. Brian Wicklund and the Barley Jacks perform a combination of blues, bluegrass, bebop, Celtic music and more following the radio play until midnight, with food provided by Änna’s Bistro.
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at 121 Judd St, Marine on St Croix, ($35-$60). More information here.