It’s getting colder and colder out which is making it harder and harder to leave the apartment every day. Yes, I know I signed up for this weather when I moved up to Minnesota over ten years ago and I know that by buying a house, I am signing up for even more of it but when you live in a city with such an amazing local music scene, how could you ever let the bitterly cold weather stop you. After bundling up, I made my way downtown for Sunday night’s show and was instantly greeted by the warmth of a cozy music venue, packed crowd, and amazing vibes and music. Leaving the warmth of your own house in the winter in Minnesota is rough but if you find things that make it worth it, it gets a little easier.
Purple Orange Beach opened up with show. All I knew about P.O.B. was that is was a side project of Doomtree member and local rapper P.O.S and that’s all I needed to know. Stef, AKA P.O.S, is a genius and I’m not trying to flatter here. He’s a co-founder of Doomtree and just an all around smart guy in music and beyond. It was no surprise to me that he started a project that was nothing like his rapping yet just as amazing. The stage was set with just a laptop looking contraption that was nothing more than buttons and wires. Stef took the stage and instantly starting messing around with those wires and buttons creating a soundscape that reminded me of what I think a basement rave would feel like in the U.K. It was definitely different and I’m not quite sure it was my cup of tea but watching him create infectious beats right in front me was captivating to say the least. Although watching Stef create was great, it was his attitude and personality that was the big selling point of the set. There were times when his instrument (is that even an instrument?) weren’t working but instead of being embarrassed or frustrated, he made it into a chance to check in with the crowd. It was so real and so fun that the idea of having to walk back to my car in the frigid temperatures was not even a though in my head anymore.
The audience was eating it up and dancing along to the beat while some were even singing along. There was a feeling of respect and love that could be felt throughout the venue and I loved the vibe I was getting. Everyone just wanted to support this young band but that feeling of support wasn’t being forced like I’ve experienced at other local shows. I think people genuinely want to see this band succeed and will do anything to make that happen even if it means leaving the warmth of your home on a bitterly cold Sunday night. You can tell that Gully Boys have the sound and talent it takes to make it to the next level but it isn’t until you witness the way they are received by crowds that you really realize just how far this band has the potential to go.
Sunday night’s show was one of five for this band in the 7th Street Entry. Their Sunday night winter residency was a bold move not only because of the weather and holidays but because of playing every week for a month straight. I was worried what this would do to their audience but, based on the fact that the Entry was packed last night, any worry I had was laid to rest. Gully Boys did a fantastic job of curating each show with well known locals that span across all genres. From a night with pop songstress Lydia Liza to last night’s showing with genre-bending electronic music, Gully Boys have treated this residency with the same sense of perfection and thoughtfulness that is put into their music.
I could have stayed home and pulled a sick card last night. It honestly crossed my mind a couple of times throughout the day but I signed up for this weather. I signed up for the cold and I signed up for the job and going out and seeing live music. It’s bands like Gully Boys that make it all worth it.
