“Lights, Legends, and ‘Purple Rain’: My Morning Jacket Shines Bright in Minneapolis”
On a rainy Sunday night in Minneapolis, My Morning Jacket turned The Armory into something magical. Between a swirling light show, powerful guest appearance, and a set that stretched well past two hours, the band delivered a performance that felt both massive and intimate. It was my second time seeing them live, and somehow, this show blew my already high expectations out of the water.
The moment the lights dropped and the first notes of “Out in the Open” rang out—the opening track from their latest album IS the crowd erupted. It was the perfect intro: spacious, moody, and slowly building to a full-band explosion. From there, the set flowed like a living, breathing thing.
They dipped into all corners of their catalog, mixing old favorites with deep cuts and new material. “Evil Urges” was chaotic and funky in all the right ways, “Time Waited” shimmered with emotion, and “Circuital” filled the room with a slow-building, cinematic kind of energy.
The band was locked in but never robotic willing to stretch songs out and jam mid-track, letting grooves swell and solos take flight. “Lay Low” turned into an extended guitar showdown, with Jim James and Carl Broemel trading scorching solos that had the crowd shouting mid-song. “Off the Record” kept the energy high, shifting from reggae-tinged grooves into a driving wall of sound.
Throughout the night, Jim’s voice soared, filling every corner of The Armory. He moved with purpose, connecting with the crowd without needing to say much. At one point, he shared that the band had spent their day off in Minneapolis visiting the art museum and grabbing a meal at 112 Eatery a quick shoutout that drew big hometown cheers.
A standout moment came when Duluth’s Dave Simonett (of Trampled by Turtles) joined Jim onstage for a tender version of “Wonderful (The Way I Feel).” The stripped-back arrangement let their harmonies shine, giving the room a moment of calm and connection.
But the encore took things to another level. With rain still falling outside, the band brought Grace Cummings back to the stage and launched into Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain.” The timing, the setting, the emotion it all came together in the most perfect, goosebump-inducing way. Her gritty voice paired with Jim’s soaring delivery felt raw and real, and the crowd sang along like it was a hometown anthem. It was.
Grace Cummings opened the night with a set that built slowly, then roared to life. She started off behind the keys, her voice haunting and rich keeping the room still and focused. After a few solo acoustic songs that felt deeply personal, she brought out her full band and let loose with some gritty, high-energy rock tracks.
To close the night, MMJ let it all loose with “One Big Holiday,” their fan-favorite barn burner. The lights went wild, the guitars roared, and the whole place turned into a giant, euphoric release. It was the kind of closing song that makes you forget what time it is—and not care.
My Morning Jacket didn’t just play a show—they created an experience. From the hypnotic visuals to the sonic exploration, the tight musicianship to the moments of surprise and soul, every piece of the night felt intentional and alive.
