It’s been 18 months since I “retired” from music photography / writing and took a step back from running TCM. The new leadership team is doing a great job and as the saying goes “Time heals all boredom” and I felt ready to pick up my cameras and head to a show.
Opener Haven Madison honed her talent on American Idol and it showed in her performance and connection to the audience. “How you like me now” energized the entry and her set was sprinkled with personal touches, like a story about riding the roller coaster at the Mall of America.
It may have been New Hope Club’s first time in Minneapolis, but for quite a few in the crowd, this was not their first NHC show. “Fixed” their first song built on the energy inherited from the opener and got the crowd moving. I was not familiar with the band before the show, but their music is easy to connect to (even for an old guy like me). “Trouble in Paradise” brought in a cool Reggae vibe. And their version of the Stones’ “Satisfaction” delivered that classic well.On a side note, experiencing some British Dudes trying to recreate a Minnesota accent alone was worth the price of admission.
Set List: Fixed / Lush / Love Again / Trouble / Worse / DGWT / Satisfaction / Whatever / Walk It Out / I Like Your Face / Medicine / Who Are You / Getting Better / SWS / Permission / CMAG / KMTW