The Ike Reilly Assassination played a charity show with all proceeds being to the East Side Neighbourhood Services Wednesday night at First Avenue.
The first band out of the gate were Rich Mattson and the Northstars call tiny Sparta, MN home. The group got its start as an acoustic folk duo and in 2014 expanded to its current lineup of Rich Mattson, Germaine Gemberling, Curtis Mattson, Eli Bissonett, and Russell Bergum. First Ave was filling up nicely through their set and the crowd seemed to enjoy the music judging by the cheers.
Set List: Trip to a Flame / Runner / Please be Kind / Winter Blue / Through the Cracks / Star Dust / One and Only / Misguided Energy / Scarcity / Thost Town / It’s Serious
The Honeydogs have been staples of the Twin Cities music scene for two decades. I had a “I can’t believe I haven’t shot those guys before” moment, somehow our paths never crossed. It’s been a few years since their last album “What Comes After” but that did not impact the excitement of the fans in the audience. The Honeydogs sounded great – and front man Adam Levy credited the venue. The cheers reached their peak with “I miss You”
Set List: Vermillion Billows / Broke it, Buy it / Devices / Sandstorm / Left Alone / Art and Vandalism / Aubben / 10,000 Years / The Firing Squad / I miss you / Blue-backed speller
Ike Reilly’s set started with the curtain closed. After a few moments, it became clear that the video projected on it was Ike walking down First Avenue towards the Club……and promptly had to wait for the 7th Ave light to turn green. Once on stage, complete with winter coat. The set was vintage Ike Reilly: Great rock with lyrics one must pay attention to and no shortage of opinions. Some of his songs like “Ex-American” have gained new meaning through recent events. He played several songs solo / acoustic and closed out the evening with a long encore. Overall a great evening of local (and adopted) talent uniting for a good cause.
Set List: New Assassination Blue / Hanging Round / Last Time / Duty Free / Fish Plant /Ex-American / Commie / Living in the wrong Time / Nightime is Liar / Wasted Friends / Holiday in New York / Boat Song / Valentines Day / Irish Eyes Encore: Charcoal Days / Underneath the Moon / You’re so Plain / A job like That / Born on Fire / Little Love
