New Years Eve at the Varsity

Very few Varsity Theater tickets are left for the Mark Mallman / Red Pens New Years Eve show. All the cool cats are going to be there and the cover is NOT ridiculous. Most clubs/bars in town are charging $40+ (and to be fair a lot of them charging a hefty cover include all the alcohal you can drink) but the Varsity is keeping theirs under $20. However, you will have to foot the bill for your beers and cheers.

I am actually considering going to this show. All of my partners in crime are either out of town or moved away (not mention broken up the bf) so I am at a loss as to what to do! I just need a date and then I am there!

The Red Pens are awesome, if you haven't checked them out be sure to do so. The only negative thing about choosing this venue is that I would have to cab to and from. Cabs on New Year's Eve = disaster!

See you at the show ... maybe!


Laura Bennett is a lovely artist isn't she?

Policy and A Pint Series at the Varsity

The Varsity Theater is going to be hosting the next installment of MPR's 'Policy and A Pint' discussion series. Policy and A Pint focuses on one issue during their monthly get togethers. Discussions, ideas, and opinions are mulled over during this group time. It sounds a lot like college, no?

The topic of this month's Policy and A Pint asks the question "where is the line between opinion, news and comedy?" 89.3 the Current host Steve Seal will host the event with discussion guests Bob Collins and Chris Worthington.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now, UofMN students get a Varsity Theater discount. While the 'pint' is not included in the price of admission there are appetizers from the Loring Pasta Bar included! That in itself is a reason for admission - I love the Loring Pasta Bar!

Policy and A Pint tickets usually sell out, the topics are usually pretty interesting and everyone loves MPR. So I would recommend tracking down your Varsity Theater tickets sooner than later.

Quietdrive Tickets

Local band, Quietdrive, will be at the Varsity for a holiday season show on Wedenesday, December 29th.

Quietdrive have been a local band since 2002, forming in the suburbs and gaining a following thereafter. After signing to Epic Records, then leaving Epic Records, then signing to the Militia Group, then leaving the Militia Group, Quietdrive is finally putting out their own music on their own label, Sneaker 2 Bombs. In today's music industry there really is no other way to go. Unless you are selling enough records like Gaga or Kayne to pay off your expense account you really have no business on a major label. Major labels are just a bunch of crap unless you are pulling the amount of money it takes to work the machine.

Quietdrive is releasing their new album on December 14th entitled, "Close Your Eyes." I think they will find things in their music life will run quite a bit smoother when they run things their way, it almost always does.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for their Wednesday, December 29th show. Opening for Quietdrive will be All the Right Moves, My Lady Four, and Jamestown Story. Varsity Theater tickets will sell out for this show - Minneapolis loves Quietdrive!

Wavves tickets

Nope, that is NOT a type. Wavves really spells their name with two V's. If you haven't heard the new Wavves jams then you most likely to not pay attention to the indie world of buzz bands. So here, let me explain the details.

What started as just a side project for fun has turned into a pretty lucrative endeavor for Nathan Williams. While trudging through substance problems and a million line up changes they were still able to record three amazing albums, "Wavves," "Wavvves," and "King of the Beach." Wavves' current line up consists of Nathan Williams, Billy Hayes, and Stephen Pope.

I was super bummed that I didn't check out the Surfer Blood show last month where Wavves opened the show, BUT it looks like I am going to get a second chance! Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Wavves show on February 11th. LA indie folks Best Coast will open the show.

I'd like to say see you at the show, but I would also like to say I will be in Mexico on February 11th. :)

Varsity Theater tickets

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

Graham Colton - Saturday, November 20th


Bedouin Soundclash - Tuesday, November 23rd


Halloween Alaska - Saturday, November 27th


Better Than Ezra - Wedenesday, December 1st


Keri Noble - Thursday, December 9th - 6pm and 8:45pm - 2 shows!!!


The Twilight Hours - Wednesday, December 22nd


Alison Scott - Thursday, December 23rd



Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for these shows and more!

Mark Mallman tickets

Mark Mallman, the man who doesn't sleep or do anything but music has just announced a show at the Varsity Theater. This isn't just any show, this particular show is the Varsity Theater's New Years Eve celebration!

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for this soon to be sold out show. Other acts include Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps, Koo Koo Kangaroo, and my personal local favorite, The Red Pens. !!!!!!!!!!!!

The Red Pens just last weekend celebrated their new EP release, Limitations. You can buy at one of their shows or online at iTunes. I love those guys! Support local music always, especially the great ones.

Varsity Theater tickets for this show are available to those 18+. The Mark Mallman New Years Eve show starts at 8:30, doors are at 8.

Langhorne Slim tickets

Singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim just announced a show at the Varsity Theater on December 11th.

Langhorne Slim started out as a touring musician with the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players. Their Bonnaroo Music Festival appearance introduced the band to a wide range of audience members. Since contuing as a solo artist Langhorne Slim has toured with The Avett Brothers, Cake, The Violent Femmes, Josh Ritter, Lucero, Murder By Death, the Drive by Truckers, and Jeffery Lewis just to name a few.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for Langhorne Slim on Saturday, December 11th. This is an 18+ show.

Varsity Theater tickets

This was a super busy week for the campus area music venues. The Triple Rock (located on the west bank) and the Varsity Theater had a ton of great shows last week. The Varsity Theater started off last week with the Matt Costa, continued the next night with the Black Angels, and Wednesday night brought the Vaselines to town.

The Triple Rock kicked off Monday with Sleigh Bells, Wednesday night with All Time Low, and Friday night Deer Tick was in town.

I went to the Black Angels show and the Deer Tick show. Varsity Theater tickets for the Black Angels were still available at the door, which was a little disappointing there were not more people there. The Black Angels put on such a great show, and the Strongbows were nice and cold.

As for Deer Tick, they are pretty much my new favorite band to see live. I said this in April when I saw them last, that they were the best band I've seen in five years and I still hold that to them. They just absolutely phenomenal. Deer Tick is a young band who you can tell, still truly enjoy playing together. I can't wait to see them again!


I la la love these guys!

Vaselines tickets

Rocktober week is officially here. I was so excited to see the Vaselines, but I have so many other shows this week that was I thinking of sitting this one out. The other selling factor was super buzzed band the Dum Dum Girls were the opening act. However, First Avenue (who is presenting/promoting) the show announced today that the Dum Dum Girls had to cancel their appearance due to an 'unforeseen family emergency.' I hope they're ok!

Varsity Theater tickets are still on sale for the Vaseline's show sans the Dum Dum Girls. I am sure that masterminds behind First Ave's operation will be able to find someone to take their place with no problem.

See you at the show?! Maybe baby.

Vaselines Tickets

Were you ever a Nirvana fan like myself? If you were this post will definitely hit some nostalgia tunes on this show. I remember being in 3rd grade staying up super late to watch Nirvana's Unplugged in New York performance on MTV. One of the jams they played was "Jesus Don't Want me for a Sunbeam." Right before they play it Kurt goes "we do it the Vaselines way." Years later and when my musical taste matured beyond the Backstreet Boys, I checked out the Vaselines. And Kurt was right, they are awesome. He often voiced his love for the Vaselines and was photographed in their band shirts all the time. Not to mention Nirvana covered "Molly's Lips" and "Son of A Gun" - they were definitely a fan of their jams.

The Vaselines are touring in support of their new album, "Sex with an X.". After Kurt died in 1994 they kind of disappeared, but reunited in 2009. The amount of money they made in royalties I'm sure was enough to let them a lead a comfortable lifestyle. I must admit I am curious to see these guys, I can't wait to go to the show! Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Vaselines show on Wednesday, October 27th. The Dum Dum Girls open! Omg !


See you at the show!

Dark Star Orchestra on October 21st

On October 21st, the Dark Star Orchestra will perform live at the Varsity Theater. The Dark Star Orchestra is a United States tribute band to the Grateful Dead. They formed in 1997 and are based out of Chicago. There are currently 7 members in the Dark Star Orchestra. Their performances mimic some of the 2,500 shows Grateful Dead performed, down to the last detail. The group performs up to 200 times a year. Purchase your Dark Star Orchestra tickets today to see them live at the Varsity Theater!

Autolux on August 18th

On August 18th, Autolux will be performing at the Varsity Theater. The Los Angeles trio consists of Eugene Goreshter, Greg Edwards, and Carla Azar. Autolux began performing in 2000 and have an alternative rock/art rock/shoegaze style. The group has been noted for being a great band to catch live and for their performances. Their first album was titled "Future Perfect" in 2004 and "Transit Transit" in 2010. Purchase your Autolux tickets today!

Ari Herstand tickets

Well, all things must come to and end. And in this case it is Ari Herstand's Minneapolis residence. You may recognize his name from the countless fliers around the campus area - he has certainly played a lot of shows. Ari is leaving MPLS to pursue other endeavors in Los Angeles.

Before Ari leaves, however, he is having a major going away party at his favorite venue - The Varsity Theater. The list of performers is pretty extensive: ReadyGoes, Roster McCabe, White Light Riot, The Alarmists, Cedar Avenue, Gabriel Douglas, Joey Ryan and Sarah Winters. Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for this show. It is important to not that the Varsity Theater twittered today about how there are a very limited amount of Varsity Theater tickets left for this show.

Ari also posted a very long post on his blog regarding his reasons for leaving Minneapolis. They seem valid and I understand with some of what he is saying. But for the most part, you are going to have haters in every music scene no matter what part of the globe you go to. Not everyone can be pleased, there will always be a negative nancy. If you would like to read his letter to mpls you can do so here.

Quiet Please tickets

It is time for another installment of Quiet, Please! featuring Mark Olson from Minneapolis' beloved Jayhawks.

Minneapolis has received a lot of love from the newly regrouped Jayhawks these past few months. As you may have previously read or attended, the Jayjawks had a three night stint at First Avenue at the beginning of the month. They are also playing at the Basillica Block Party this year (this Friday and Saturday) and now Mark Olson has signed on to perform at the Varsity Theater's 'Quiet, Please' on September 12th. This show will be solo and acoustic so concert goers should not expect another Jayhawks reunion.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the 'Quiet, Please' performance on Sunday, September 12th. (That will also be prime Vikings tickets season!!!)

As you may remember the 'Quiet, Please" performances are very low key shows. The audience sits on couches and chairs around the stage in the middle of the Varsity Theater. Because of this unique layout there are less Varsity Theater tickets for these shows. If you think this Mark Olson show is something you would like to see be sure to buy your Varsity Theater tickets asap!

Varsity Theater tickets

Varsity Theater tickets have just went on sale for a few popular shows that will be taking place at the Varsity Theater.

First off, is the super annoying Sara Bareilles. In case her name does not sound familiar let me refresh you memory "I'm gonna write you a love song, because you need it, because you asked for it, I'm gonna right you a love song and annoy the living daylights out of you!" Sara is doing an exclusive show for KS95 and you can only get Varsity Theater tickets for this show through the radio station. I believe Rob Thomas headlined this show last year. The show is this Wednesday - so you better look fast for Varsity Theater tickets.

Also announced was the Upright Citizens Brigade on November 5th. Now, I am not sure what this live show is going to include - I would assume maybe some stand up comedy? Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Also just announced:
9/12 - Mark Olson
10/25 - Matt Costa

Mark Olson tickets

Did you miss the Jayhawks three night stint at the First Avenue mainroom last weekend? If so, no need to fear, you have another chance to hear some of those jams on September 12th at the Varsity Theater when Jayhawks singer/guitarist Mark Olson performs his. The show is is solo, the rest of the Jayhawks will not be performing. This show will be a hot ticket, even in the wake of three headlining Jayhawks shows.

The Jayhawks, all founding members included, were present for last weekend's reunion shows at First Avenue. Each show was praised for its set list and live performance. Local acts like Romantica and The Strange Lights.

Varsity Theater tickets go on sale this Friday for the Mark Olson show. Expect Varsity Theater tickets to sell fast for this event - last time Gary Louris had a show at the Varsity Theater tickets sold so fast Gary Louris had to add another show.

So, if you are a die hard Jayhawks fan this is a pre-fall show you do not want to miss!

Varsity Theater tickets

Long time no see - but the Twins keep this music girl busy, busy these days!
Since I have last reported, there have been two major announcements as far as shows at the Varsity are concerned. Two of my favorite bands are coming to town: Heartless Bastards and Autolux.

The Heartless Bastards were in town during the winter opening for Wolfmother, however, I had to miss that one due to a steep ticket price and holiday funds. Wolfmother was at the State Theater, so I am much happier that I get to see them at the Varsity - where they belong! Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for their Tuesday, July 27th show.

And as for Autolux I last saw them at the 7th Street Entry. The Varsity is quite a jump for them, I am hoping Autolux has a new album out that they can focus in on some new fans. Autolux is amazing, they have such a unique sound that should be enjoyed by all. Autolux will be in town on August 18th, Varsity Theater tickets went on sale last weekend for the show. Autolux will be touring in support of their new album (the first in many many years)Transit Transit

I can't wait to see these guys! See you at the shows!

Varsity Theater tickets

There are a few exciting shows coming up at the Varsity Theater! Some of which may have hard to find Varsity Theater tickets.

5/4 - Aqualung

5/6 - Quiet, Please featuring Low

5/11 - Shout Out Louds

5/17 - Flobots

5/25 - Mumford and Sons

6/18 - Delta Spirit

Varsity Theater tickets are sold out for the Mumford and Sons show (very buzzed about band) and the Quiet, Please featuring Low is also sold out. Alan Sparhawk of Low and Retribution Gospel Choir is a popular man these days - his bands are everywhere! And worth it for sure, both bands are very well received and well liked around these parts. Varsity Theater tickets are still available for the Flobots, Shout Out Louds and Delta Spirit.

Flobots:


Shout Out Louds:

Best of Twin Cities tickets

Every year the City Pages has their "Best of the Twin Cities" edition which lists some of the better places to eat/drink/shop/ be seen and heard in the Twin Cities. You will usually find a lot of your favorite places to eat and shop on this list. It also tends to favor new places and it has on many occasions suggested a new place to go out to eat or a new store to shop at. It is as rewarding for the businesses it promotes as it is useful to the patrons who want to try something new. Or, just see one of their favorite restaurants get recognized.

The other cool thing about Best of the Twin Cities, is that anyone can vote on it. The online voting thing is long, there are a million categories, but for the most part it is fair.

This year's Best of the Twin Cities Celebration is happening at the Varsity Theater. Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Best of the Twin Cities Celebration featuring local songstress, Dessa and No Bird Sing. Both acts I am sure are most likely nominated for an award. It is a great way to get acquainted with two local artists and multiple local vendors presented by City Pages if you are not too familiar with them.

I would highly recommend on buying your Varsity Theater tickets for the City Pages Best of the Twins Cities celebration, this is a very popular event every year - it is not one to be missed!

Don't miss Minneapolis favorite, Dessa

XX Tickets

Well, concert weekend is officially over. Four concerts in three days. I was one of the very select few who had Varsity Theater tickets to see the XX on Friday. I got to the show at about 10pm and there were still people outside looking for tickets (the doors opened at 8!)

One of the more positive things I have to say about the Varsity Theater is that they do not over sell their shows. When Varsity Theater tickets are sold out, they are sold out. First Avenue sells more tickets than they should for a lot of shows making it impossible to move around to get a beer or find a bathroom. The Varsity Theater has made some changes and invested some money to make their venue better to accomate nights that are as sold out as the XX was.

XX tickets were in such demand that on Wednesday last week 89.3 the Current gave away a pair of ticket to the tenth caller, as they usually do, however, so many people called that it shut their phone system down. Pretty crazy, huh?!

The XX played all of their jams, "VCR" and "Basic Space" were the two I was waiting for. Their show was well orchestrated, very well rehearsed, and very well executed. My only complaint: dumb college kids that somehow got in there and started throwing glow sticks around, which they in turn threw at the band. NOT COOL. JJ opened the show. You may know their song "Ecstasy" which sample a Lil' Wayne song. I had no idea that JJ was an one woman operation. It was her and a screen showing deers running through the woods. Totally not what I expected!

After "Basic Space" I ran out the door to catch Deertick at the Triple Rock - like I said - it was concert weekend!

Mumford and Sons tickets

Indie folk is the new thing. As if hearing a warbling jumble of atrocious winy kids from Omaha or screeching vocals from DC isn't enough in this world we call Indie music, there is a new trend in town. I call it sad bastard music, some call it folk music. The newest IT band sensation is from London and they go by Mumford and Sons. These guys have been getting tons of airplay on the Current, their debut album, "Sigh No More" has gained critical and commercial success - it was even the Current's cd of the week.

Critics everywhere are absolutely peeing themselves over this band and I really just don't get it. I heard Bill DeVille (DJ on the Current), who is one of my favorite DJs in the world, use the term "Indie Folk" and I about threw up. I knew whatever band was going to follow that I was not going to care for - and I was right.

What is even more baffling, is Varsity Theater tickets are sold out for this show. Varsity Theater tickets for this show are not just a little sold out, they are super sold out. The Mumford and Sons show at the Varsity Theater sold out in record time, even for the Varsity. It took about two days. Varsity Theater tickets went on sale on a Friday for this show and were gone my Monday/Tuesday. Every local ticket outlet is SOLD OUT!

Mumford and Sons with Middle East
Varsity Theater - Tuesday, May 25th - 18+

And yes, that IS a banjo.

Phantogram tickets

So last week I was super bummed because I missed Phantogram's show at the 7th Street Entry. I was in Mexico, so all was not lost, however, Phantogram is opening for the Antlers on Tuesday, (are you ready for this one) April 20th. yes, another April concert. I keep saying my wallet can't take much more of this ... but I have to go!!! Ahh!!

Phantogram is a duo from Saratoga Springs, New York and have been recieving a lot of bizz lately for their album, "Eyelid Movies." Their sound is not for the close minded, Phantogram's jams are actually pretty haunting. "When I'm Small" is a song you may hear on the Current from time to time and I just simply cannot stop listening to it.


note: the video isn't that exciting, it's the only none live one I could find

Phantogram were a success story from South by Southwest last year, there they gained a lot of attention. Friends since junior high and forming the band in 2007, Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthelmembers have opened for Minus The Bear, Zero 7, Ra Ra Riot, Yeasayer, Brazilian Girls and The Slip as Phantogram. They have been getting stellar reviews for their live shows, I can't wait to see them. Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Antlers and Phanotgram show. I heard that the 7th Street Entry show sold out at the door, so don't wait until last minute to buy your Varsity Theater tickets.

Aqualung tickets

Varsity Theater tickets are about to go on sale for another great Varsity Theater concert announcement - so hold the seat of your pants! Indie music's favorite Aqualung has announced a date at the Varsity Theater on May 4th. As you may have heard, Matt Hales, goes by Aqualung - an UK born musician.

You may know the name Aqualung from their song "Strange and Beautiful." It has been used in various commercials and in the movie "A Lot Like Love." Matt Hales was destiend to be a musician, his parents owned a small record store in Southampton. At age sixteen he was given a scholarship to Winchester College. By the age of 17 Hales had written his own symphony, "Life Cycle."

This past fall Hales moved from his home in the UK to Los Angeles. This could also have something to do with the fact that his wife, Bad Girls actress Kim Oliver, is an actress. But regardless, all settled into his new digs Aqualung is taking their jams out on the road this late winter/early spring.

Varsity Theater tickets go on sale this Saturday for the Aqualung show. The opening act is going to be Krista Polvere and as usual the show is 18+.

Jackie Greene tickets

Another installment of Quiet Please at the Varsity Theater has been announced. As you may remember Low was announced as the first band in this installment, however they had to rescheduled their performance. Now that date is going to be on May 6th. Jackie Green will now actually be the first musical guest in this unique concert experience taking place on Thursday, March 4th.

'Quiet Please' is an event that showcases a band and is strictly acoustic. There are no amplifiers or subwofers, it is a small intimate setting. The stage is featured 'in the round' at the Varsity and couches and plush chairs surround the circle stage.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for both Quiet Please performances. Low is more locally known that Jackie Greene. Jackie Greene is a California based singer/songwriter who has been playing music since the age of 14. In 2003 he was the first artist signed to DIG Music Group. Jackie Green's album, "Gone Wonderin'" stayed on the Americana charts for over a year and in 2003 it won an award for California Music Award for the Best Blues/Roots Album. Jackie Green has toured with B.B. King, Phil Lesh, Ratdog, Huey Lewis, Susan Tedeschi, Taj Mahal, and Buddy Guy just to name a few.

Varsity Theater tickets for this unique show are limited. No opening act information has been released as of today. See you at the show!


and FYI: I googled his information and as far as I know Jackie Greene is not related to Rick Ocasek

Varsity Theater Tickets Review: Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard

Well, the night has come and gone :( I went to the Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard show last night at the Varsity Theater. I am a huge fan of both of these guys! Their set list was amazing, and the played for about an hour and a half - so Minneapolis music fans really got their money's worth. Varsity Theater tickets were sold out for this event so the place was packed.

Well, to begin with they played every song off of the soundtrack begginning to end. It was the last night of the tour for Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar. Jay Farrar is going to go back into the studio to record some Woody Guthrie tracks (he was invited by Woody's daughter to record songs that he had written, but never recorded before his death). I'm not sure if Ben Gibbard is going back in the studio to record new Death Cab songs, but regardless he gets to go home to his super hot wife, Zoe Daschenal, or should I say Zoe Gibbard.


Ben Gibbard is a lucky man!

Since it was the last night of the tour they threw in two cover songs to say farewell. Jay and Ben covered Bob Dylan's "Absolutely Sweet Marie," and then they ended with Neil Young's "Don't Cry No Tears - that of which the carefully chose to say good by to the tour with. It was a fantastic finale to a fantastic show!


I feel very fortunate that I got to go. As tired as I was every minute of the show was worth it (despite the stinky man standing in front of us!) When I arrived at the Varsity Theater there was a sign on the door that said Varsity Theater tickets were sold out for the show - I am glad I wasn't one of the fans left outside in the super cold air!

Here is the set list from Sunday's show:
California Zephyr / Low Life Kingdom / Williamine / All in One / Big Sur / One Fast Move or I'm Gone / Final Horrors / Couches in Alleys / Sea Engines / The Void / Breathe Our Iodine / These Roads Don't Move / You Remind Me of Home / Voodoo Candle
ENCORE: San Francisco / Feel Free / Absolutely Sweet Marie / Don't Cry No Tears

Jim Jefferies tickets

Australian comedian, Jim Jefferies will be performing his stand up act at the Varsity Theater this summer on June 17th. Isn't it nice to think about how warm it will be in June?! Haha,anyways, back to Jim Jefferies. His first taste of fame is for a YouTube video that has been viewed 500,000+ times. It was of Jefferies getting attacked on stage at the Manchester Comedy Store. I haven't seen it, but hopefully it is just Jefferies getting pantsed or something and not actually physically assaulted.

Varsity Theater tickets go on sale for the Jim Jefferies show tomorrow at 10am. June is a long ways away, I know, it is difficult to plan what you may want to do so far in advance. Who knows, there may be a Minnesota Twins game at the new Target stadium the same day! I am so excited for Twins season, regardless of what people think Joe Mauer will NOT be playing for the Yankees EVER! Ughh, I am so tired of the Minnesota Twins rumors.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for a lot of other shows. I look at the Varsity Theater event calendar and I am so impressed by how many upcoming events they have listed (and how many I want to go to) - just a couple months ago there were about five upcoming concerts. It is great that the Varsity is incorporating stand up comedy to their repertoire.

Who knows, maybe I will buy Varsity Theater tickets in time to go to the show in June - it is a long ways away!


show is 18+!

Jay Farrar tickets

Only a few days away from the Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard show at the Varsity Theater! The show is on Sunday, January 31st. Varsity Theater tickets are available for the show, although I am a little suprised to say the least. How are Varsity Theater tickets not sold out for this amazing show?! Ben Gibbard will never play in a venue this small with his regular gig, Death Cab for Cutie ... a little band you may have heard of! And Jay Farrar is in an awesome band called Son Volt ... also a band that could sell out the Varsity by itself. How is that not sold out?!

As you may have read before, Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard are touring for the soundtrack that they recorded together for the Jack Kerouac movie. And I bought the soundtrack so I know the jams at the show on Sunday and it's a pretty good cd. The songs that they play on radio are the better songs on the disc. I can't wait to go to the show on Sunday!

Varsity theater tickets are still available for Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard. The opening act has been announced: Sera Cahoone.

Shout Out Louds tickets

For a band that I assumed would be a one hit wonder with their song "The Comeback" I may need to correct myself. It appears that they are back with their third studio album, "Work" which will be released February, 23rd via Merge Records. The Shout Out Louds worked with acclaimed producer, Phil Ek. Phil Ek has worked with fellow indie buzz bands Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, and the Shins - just to name a few!

The Shout Out Louds have a new new single called "Fall Hard" which they have also just released a new video for. The Shout Out Loud's music video for "Fall Hard" was directed by bass player, Ted Malmros and his brother, Tom. You can also download the self titled track "Walls" from the band's website for free.

After a much needed break of the extensive touring schedule for their second album, "Out Ill Wills" the Shout Out Louds have regrouped, have a new album to release, and are hitting the road in a much anticipated tour. Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Shout Out Louds show - but this one will sell out - only 800 tickets up for grabs! Don't miss out on your chance to buy your Varsity Theater tickets!

See you at the show!!


Don't miss the Shout Out Louds at the Varsity - Tuesday, May 11th - the show is 18+

Black Lips tickets

Nope, not the Black Angels. Nope, not the Black Keys. It's the Black Lips - another equally awesome band!

The Black Lips are from Atlanta, Georgia (aka A-Town) where they formed in 2000. Formed by Cole Alexander, bassist Jared Swilley, and guitarist Ben Eberbaugh. The band has been few some line up changes, following the death of Ben Eberbaugh - who died in a freak car accident in 2006. The rest of the boys decided to carry on as the Black Lips and signed to Bomp! Records, which is also the old record company of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the current label of the Warlocks (2 of my all time favorite bands).

For a small band like the Black Lips they have certainly had their share of adventures. The Black Lips have been to and fled India, played at Austin's South by Southwest, had profiles in Spin & Rolling Stone, performed a night on Conan, and were on the soundtrack for the 500 Days of Summer movie.

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for the Black Lips' show on Saturday, April 3rd. The band Box Elders opens the show.




I will DEFINITELY see you at the show!!

Booker T tickets

Did you know that Booker T. Jones does not have a middle name? It is just simply "T."

An odd match up for the Varsity Theater - Booker T is not your typical Varsity Theater crowd. This could be good for the Varsity though, Booker T is a world renowned artist, who has won a Grammy Lifetime achievement award for his endeavors in the music business. Booker T was also inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. The artists that Booker T has worked with are endless" Neil Young, Drive By Truckers, Rancid, Ray Charles, Natalie Merchant, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and the Black Crowes.

Varsity Theater tickets go on sale Friday, January 8th. Don't miss a classic act in such a small and awesome venue! Booker T has a legendary value to music history.

Booker T is touring in support of his new album, Potato Hole, which he recorded with the Drive By Truckers. An odd match up, I know, but it just shows his diverse ability to create all genres of music. Booker T is an act not to be missed!

Romantica tickets

Carrie Rodriguez and Romantica have just announced a show together at the Varsity Theater! Romantica is a local band that has just finished a show here over the holidays.

Carrie Rodriguez's talent was discovered while playing at Austin's South by Southwest music festival. She began playing with Americana artist Chip Taylor. In addition to touring together they have also recorded albums "Let's Leave This Town" "The Trouble with Humans" "Angel of the Morning" "Red Dog Tracks" and "Live from the Ruhr Triennale." It was Carrie's work with Trip Taylor that caught the attention of Lucinda Williams who invited her on her tour. Carrie Rodriguez has also had her very own Austin City Limits special!

Varsity Theater tickets are on sale Friday for Carrie Rodriguez and Romantica at the Varsity Theater. I know that Romantica could sell out the Varsity on their own - so adding Carrie Rodriguez to the mix could make Varsity Theater tickets a hot commodity!


Carrie Rodriguez and Romantica will be at the Varsity Theater on Friday, May 5th - plan ahead!

Owl City tickets

Owl City started out playing all of their hometown shows at the Varsity Theater. Then Owl City moved to the Cabooze to play their last hometown show of the summer. When KDWB announced their 2009 Jingle Ball Owl City was on the line up playing to thousands of fans. Now, Owl City will be here for not one, but two hometown shows at the State Theater on May 1st, 2010.

Owl City tickets were in such a high demand that the 7pm show sold out so a matinee performance was added at 2pm. Owl City tickets are on sale now for both shows - but they are selling fast!

Owl City is embarking a 2010 tour stopping in pretty much every city. In fact, when the 7pm Owl City show sold out, they could not add another show because both days before and after the concert are already booked in other cities. Adam Young is a very busy guy these days, but I think that after this sold out tour he is going to have to take a break. Even musicians can burn themselves out.

Bassnectar tickets

The Varsity Theater is going to have a very unique evening on Thursday, April 1st - regular concert goers could certainly see the Bassnectar show as an April Fool's joke because it is certainly not what the Varsity is used to!

According to Wikipedia, because I do not have any knowledge of this kind of music, Bassnectar is, "freeform electronic music and social experimentation project based in San Francisco, California. Primarily a music project of Lorin Ashton, Bassnectar is also accompanied by various collaborators.[1] Ashton describes Bassnectar's sound as "omni-tempo maximalism," by which he means combining beats and basslines with music of any or all speeds, time signatures, rhythms, and sound source. The sound gravitates toward heavy tempos, playing with double time and half time, and using electronic methods to embellish and reinforce other styles of music."

Yeah, that is quite a lot to take in, but I have to admit Bassnectar sounds like a pretty intriguing show to see!



Varsity Theater tickets are on sale now for their February 24th show.

Maybe see ya at the show!