Shannon Fitzgerald here with Episode #12 of the Underground Arts Club, a newsletter for the readers of Minneapolis Voices. The club is a recommendation, not a review. My goal is to introduce you to all of the Twin Cities art that you haven't yet discovered.
The Must-See: MUSIC!
When I started the Underground Arts Club, my biggest concern was that I know nothing about the amazing music scene that I know exists in the Twin Cities. Rather than think too much about why this is, I reached out to a friend who is deeply connected to get some great recommendations for you. Thanks to Carl Atiya Swanson, who will be our guest host for all things music!
Carl’s given TWO great recommendations for next weekend.
Oceanographer with NATL PARK SRVC, FINICK at Pilllar Forum
Pilllar Forum | 2300 Central Ave NE | Mpls
A showcase for some of the Twin Cities rising singer-songwriters, dreamy folk outfits, and orchestral pop. Oceanographer's Val Lowry-Ortega draws inspiration from Laurel Canyon, with her earthy mezzo-soprano floating over a wash of bedal steel and reverb-heavy guitars. Their just released a 3 song EP, Deep Sea Diver, builds on their 2024 single "Minneapolis Summer," telling stories of lovelorn youth and relationships gone askew. NATL PARK SRVC brings some orchestral ambition to the bill, with frontman Dylan Woytcke's power-pop sensibilities buoyed by strings and synths. Teenager FINICK rounds out the night with her emotional and direct songwriting, great for fans of Olivia Rodrigo, or classic Avril Lavigne.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Doors 6:00, Music 6:30
Tickets $10 Advance, $12 Day of Show
Parking: Street parking
Dining: Pilllar is a coffee shop during the day, and offers coffee, beer, cocktails, and THC drinks as well as pizza, hot dogs, and snacks at night. Support the music by buying food!
Chastity Brown and Hipshaker MPLS
Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge | 3010 Minnehaha Ave | Mpls
A double-header of Minneapolis heavyweights, with Chastity Brown performing as part of Hook & Ladder's outdoor Under the Canopy series. The Tennessee-born, Minnesota-based Brown's smoky, soul and gospel inspired music has won her national acclaim, and she is unafraid to bring in collaborators to go on sonic adventures. Expect chilled grooves building up to fiery crescendos, and some gorgeous catharsis. Follow that up with the long-running Hipshaker MPLS funk & soul dance night in the Hook's Zen Arcade space, a perfect way to keep the night going.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Doors: 6:00 PM, Show: 7:00 PM
RESERVED SEAT: $40 Box-Office / $44.12 Online
GA: $29 Box-Office / $32.27 Online / $35 Door
Friday, July 18, 2025
Doors 9:30pm, Music 9:30pm, 21+
GA: $12 Box-Office / $14.23 Online / $17 Door
Parking: Street parking
Dining: Under the Canopy concerts have rotating food trucks, and the bar is open as you head into Hipshaker. Music venues pay the bills from the bar tab, so buy some NA if you’re keeping it sober.
The Discovery
Hook and Ladder is just off Lake Street, and I’ve been wanting to talk about the recent Lake Street branding for a while now. I’m in love with this concept, and hope you’ve all seen it around. Shout out to Lake Street Council for hiring Uptown agency MONO and of course shout out to MONO for the phenomenal concept. I love a design that makes me smile every time I see it.
If you’ve seen it and want to give feedback, they’ve got a survey here.
Field Notes
Check out MELSA SmARTpass at the Hennepin County Libraries - I’ve noticed there’s an uptick in music venues recently that I haven’t seen before. Turf Club, 7th Street Entry, Ordway Inside Out in Rice Park series - these tickets are FREE with your library card!
