Wow, it’s the first full week of June and there is definitely not enough time in the weekend to check out all the excellent shows out there.  Festivals kick into full gear but I am already buying tickets for September for Bob Mould.  Get out there, enjoy the warm weather and check out someone playing somewhere.

Shows I am going to:

Friday June 8 Rebel-Rebel David Bowie Tribute at First Avenue-this is the 9th annual show and it has become a regular event for me.  I always look forward to the Venus DeMars and the excellent backing band and vocalists-including one of my favorites, Janey Winterbauer.  It is a very strong lineup again this year, maybe for year ten we can get Mr. Bowie!!

Saturday June 9th-Rock the Vine at St. Croix Vineyards-a day in the Orchard and the Winery checking out local favorites like Savannah Smith, Halloween Alaska and Solid Gold plus many others.  You can check this out during the day and then still find something to check out locally in the great music venues in Stillwater.

Monday June 11th-Cactus Blossoms at The Turf Club-these guys are incredible if you are into old-style country music and there is not a much better bar to kick it at than the Turf Club.

Other shows to check out:

Friday June 8th Alison Scott and Kevin Bowe CD Release Party at the Varsity-both of these incredible local artists are playing their CD release party together.  Alison has some great duets that she will be featuring and Kevin Bowe is still coming down from being called “Dylan-esque” in the Star-Tribune.

Friday June 8th Chris Koza-Works for Words-Chris is spearheading this year’s edition sponsored by The Current.  He will be performing with Rogue Valley and have several special guests including one of my favorites: Gabriel Douglas.

Sunday June 10th-Stillwater Music Downtown-Paul Barber is doing a great job of increasing the local music choices in the valley.  Enjoy the view of the river, have a drink and check out the Stillwater local music scene.

Sunday June 10th-Fattening Frogs at Palmers Saloon-Three-quarters of 4onthefloor will be saluting Howlin’ Wolf at the annual birthday bash.  The Palmers Patio is a great place to hang out on a summer evening.

Tuesday June 12th-Dead Winter/Retribution Gospel Choir Residency at the Turf Club-the Turf continues its excellent residency series with more great local music.  If you cannot make it this Tuesday you have the rest of June to catch them.