Its been a crazy week and I am a little behind on everything.  May is shaping up to be a great month for local music, the challege is fitting it all.  Some great shows this weekend and upcoming week to check out and some dates to put on your calendar.

Shows I am checking out this weekend

Cinco de Mayo Pachango with Rock Steady Breakfast-local SKA favorites will be putting on free show in Minneapolis to support their upcoming June tour on Saturday afternoon.  The show is free but they are asking that you bring a canned good for their upcoming tour. Alex and I are going to pick up some Ramen noodles and head on over.

Melismatics Post Modern  Rock 10th Anniversary Show at The Amsterdam Bar and Hall-celebrating 10 years since the release on Saturday night.  We will be enjoying the pop sensibilities of the Melismatics plus some great local acts including The Japhies and BNLX.  The Amsterdam is becoming on of my favorite venues, the sound is great and they have food until 2:00.

This week I am highlighting an artist and an event you want to make sure you have on your calendars.

A couple of weeks ago I was able to spend time with local artist Joel Kachel at Pub Monique in Stillwater. His music reminds me of a combination of Jack Johnson and Mason Jennings; great acoustic music with excellent songwriting makes Joel a much catch.  Joel has the three things required to make in music; very supportive parents, a day-job that affords him the ability to be flexible (Joel owns a landscaping company) and a work ethic that separates him from a lot of other artists.  You can catch Joel at Danny’s Bar and Grill in Stillwater (actually Stoneridge Golf Course) on Friday May 11th.  Check out his website for more dates and check out his music there also.

If you want a weekend of great music plus our local art scene now is the time to block out May 18th-20th to check out Art-a-Whirl in Northeast Minneapolis.  An annual tradition for myself this years music is better than ever.  I am going to be checking out three venues, The 331 Club which in my mind is the center of the entire event.  There will be music there Friday-Sunday including music inside and outside.  I will also be checking out Grumpy’s NE for their shows on Saturday including one of my favorites, Pink Mink.  The newest edition to this year will be a day-long show headlined by 4onthefloor and including Maudlin and Savannah Smith at Psycho Suzi’s.  This is the first year Suzi is participating in the music so catch the show and and enjoy their great pizza.  Plus don’t forget there is tremendous local art to check out besides the music.