Another week, and another show at the Verizon Wireless Center’s Event Center! This week brought the first Rap artist to the new stage, Tech N9ne. The bill was full of performers, both local and national. Tech N9ne’s latest tour was named “The Calm Before The Storm”, so I though it was funny that the show was after a nice storm earlier in the evening! Due to the rain, I opted to get to the venue about a half hour after doors to make sure I didn’t have to stand out in the storm. The staff at the Verizon Wireless Center do a great job getting everyone in the doors very soon after they open, so I was able to get right in. The crowd wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, but for a Thursday night show, I was happy to see a good amount of people when the show started. This was also the first show with barricades, which is always nice for me!
Local artist Joey Bones started off the night with a quick set to get everyone going. He had the crowd jumping in no time and it seemed a good amount of people were there to support him! With a short set, there wasn’t much time to watch after I got my photos, but everyone looked to be having a great time! I’ll have to catch Joey Bones again in the future since he is a Mankato local!
Next up was Rogues Gallery. I hadn’t heard of these guys, and apparently they are difficult to find on social media as I couldn’t find them on Facebook without quite a search! However, this Sioux Falls, SD hip hop trio really pumped up the energy a level at the Event Center! Check out the Facebook page I was able to find HERE.
There wasn’t a break in the action, as DJ Jewels, (going off the name on the laptop cover), played clips from some artists to keep the crowd entertained. It seemed they really enjoyed it!
Starrz did his thing next and kept the energy flowing. There was a lot more crowd participation with his set. It also transitioned quickly as the previous DJ ran the table to Starrz as well.
JL of BHood, took to the stage next. Him and another rapper powered through the set with a flurry of lights and quick rapping that brought any of the crowd that might have been getting merch or food back in to watch.
Finally, Tech N9ne took the stage followed shortly by Krizz Kaliko. Quickly going from one song to the next, they both kept the energy flowing throughout their entire set! Hand bouncing, people jumping, and singing/rapping along was in order for this artist and the crowd filled that order for every song! He kept things fresh with a few of his newer songs, but still mixed in some old favorites for the long time fans! It was definitely a night to remember and Tech N9ne has always put on a fantastic show when I’ve seen him.
As I left the venue before the set was over, I thought it was neat that I was still able to hear Tech N9ne play from outside the venue! The storm had passed, but it was still raging inside the Verizon Wireless Center!
If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, be sure to head over to the Myth tonight as Tech N9ne will be playing there!
As always, get out and support live music and I’ll see you out there!
