Staff Directory 6370586

Chris Riemenschneider

Critic / Reporter | Local Music
Phone: 612-673-4658

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.


Riemenschneider has also written for Rolling Stone, the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News and Billboard and won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Society for Features Journalism and Society of American Travel Writers.
Recent content from Chris Riemenschneider
Rob Sheeley, owner Mill City Sound, one of Hopkins Mainstreet shops.

Popular Hopkins record shop owner Rob Sheeley of Mill City Sound, 69, dies

He opened his top-ranked Mainstreet store after retiring from audio/visual businesses.
Lana Del Rey performed at Target Center in Minneapolis in 2018 before turning mostly to festivals for concert appearances.

Iowa's Hinterland music fest will go big in 2025 with Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator

The three-day campout near Des Moines is expanding in size and catering more to youth this year.
Shinedown performed at sundown during Rock Fest 2024 in Cadott, Wis.

The Upper Midwest's biggest metal fest confirms returning headliners for 2025

Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson top the lineup for the July 16-19 campout in Cadott, Wis.
Joy Oladukon performs.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Jan. 16-22 include Joy Oladokun, Jontavious Willis, Jamie xx, Myles Kennedy, the Headhunters, Lissie and Jukebox the Ghost.
Is that you, Bob? This photo found in 1971 in the Minnesota Daily's offices at the University of Minnesota is believed to show Robert Zimmerman at wor

Was Bob Dylan a completely unknown writer at the U's Minnesota Daily?

A newly resurfaced ad from 1971 is believed to show the then-Robert Zimmerman typing away in Murphy Hall a decade earlier.
Bob Mould, left, and Gary Louris will be back in the Twin Cities to promote their new solo albums in concert this spring.

Two renowned Minnesota rock expats announce new solo albums for 2025

Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü fame and the Jayhawks' Gary Louris will release records this spring, with gigs to follow.
credit: AMI Robert Glasper

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Jan. 9-15 include Robert Glasper, Ber, Zeitgeist, G. Love & Special Sauce and Big Head Todd & the Monsters.
The Suburbs, John "Beej" Chaney, guitar vocals, during a rehearsal last week in North Minneapolis. He and the band were getting ready for another roun

Minnesota punk rock hero Beej Chaney of the Suburbs, 67, dies while swimming in the Pacific Ocean

The band's original co-leader was known for his wild antics onstage and later owned a legendary Malibu recording studio.
Dave Simonett, right, of Trampled by Turtles with bassist Tim Saxhaug and cellist Eamonn McLain at another outdoor gig in 2021 at the Caverns in Tenne

Trampled by Turtles' Duluth Bayfront gig will bump up with July 4 festivities in 2025

A harborside tradition that now draws fans from all over, the homecoming concert lands on July 5 this year.
Sturgill Simpson gave a nearly three-hour performance at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul on Sept. 25, 2024.

What was Minnesota's best in music, theater, dance and art in 2024?

Our critics weigh in.
Among the makers of Minnesota's standout albums of 2024 were (clockwise from left): Scrunchies, Papa Mbye, Charlie Parr and the Cactus Blossoms.

What were the top Minnesota albums of 2024? Our critic lists his 10 favorites.

Top-name producers aided Scrunchies, the Shackletons and Charlie Parr in this year's efforts, but the rest did fine on their own.
Some of the year's best albums included titles by (clockwise from left)  Sturgill Simpson, Beyoncé, Mdou Moctar, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Sabrina Carpent

What were the top albums of 2024? Our critics list their favorites.

Beyoncé, Sturgill Simpson, Jack White, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX make the lists.
Pat Hayes on the harp during the Lamont Cranston Band's second set.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities in the next two weeks

Highlights for Dec. 26-Jan. 8 include Lamont Cranston, Soul Asylum, the Bad Plus and New Year's Eve shows.
Angela Martinez and daughter Angela Cartagena walked to their table among the plants at Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. in St. Paul.

5 new Twin Cities breweries to try over winter break

Taprooms such as Brühaven in Minneapolis and Trove in Burnsville emphasize quality and diversity to counter closures within the industry.
Sturgill Simpson's nearly three-hour Roy Wilkins Auditorium performance and Billie Eilish's two-night stand at Xcel Energy Center were standouts for 2

What were the best concerts you saw in 2024? Our critics name their top 20.

Sturgill Simpson, Billie Eilish and the Twin Cities' boldest new festival were among our favorite live music offerings this year.
Charlie Parr topped off a celebration of Spider John Koerner at the Cabooze in June, just one of many ways he kept the spirit of the old Minneapolis W

Artist of the Year 2024 honorable mentions: Charlie Parr and Mathew Janczewski

These two outstanding artists continue to leave indelible marks in the fields of music and dance.
Bob "Slim" Dunlap in 1993, the year he released his first solo album, "The Old New Me," after five years with the Replacements.

Replacements guitarist and Minnesota music hero Slim Dunlap dies after long illness

A fill-in Replacement, the guitarist's own songs garnered acclaim from the likes of Bruce Springsteen.
Trailer Trash, seen here with Santa Claus (editor's note: not the real one), settle in for three nights of "Trashy Little Xmas" at the Turf Club this

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Dec. 19-25 include Alicia Witt, the Steeles, the Jayhawks, the Bad Plus, Chapel Hart, Trailer Trash and Rachael & Vilray.
The Electric Fetus listed Chappell Roan and Prince as its top sellers in its 56th year of business.

What were the top sellers of 2024 at Minneapolis' favorite record store?

Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and other young pop stars sold well this year at the Electric Fetus alongside former customer Prince.
Blue Ox 2025 co-headliner Margo Price has built her own strong fanbase since opening for Chris Stapleton at Xcel Energy Center in 2017.

Eau Claire's Blue Ox Music Festival to welcome some red-hot twangers in 2025

Greensky Bluegrass, Orville Peck, Margo Price and Hurray for the Riff Raff are on the bill for the June 26-28 campout.
Jeff Tweedy, center, led Wilco through 95 different songs over three nights at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul from Friday through Sunday.

Review: Wilco nerds out but still rocks out in deep-diving, three-night St. Paul run

Minnesota fans were treated to 95 songs total as the Chicago rockers adhered to a no-repeat rule all weekend at the Palace Theatre.
Wilco’s bandleader Jeff Tweedy thanked Friday's sold-out crowd at the Palace Theatre for coming out early since, as he said, "We sort of opened for

Night 1 puts Wilco on track to play 90-plus songs in three-night St. Paul run

Friday's concert left plenty of popular tunes on the table for the rest of the band's no-repeat weekend at the Palace Theatre.
Photo provided by Monterey International; Los Lobos ORG XMIT: MIN1306302155070480

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Dec. 12-18 include Wilco, Los Lobos, Tower of Power, Jose James, Brother Ali and Tina Schlieske's VaJamma Party.
Melissa Etheridge played a few shows with the Indigo Girls this past summer as a warm-up to the Yes We Are Tour.

Minnesota State Fair announces '90s pair for its first grandstand concert for 2025

Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls are pairing up on the Yes We Are Tour, and due at the fair Aug. 24.
Shaboozey performed his big hit with a bar backdrop last month at the 58th annual CMA Awards in Nashville.

Go figure: Drinking song tops Minneapolis' Spotify Wrapped list for 2024

Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" was even more popular here than around the country, and so was a tune by another newcomer.
"Girl in Red" performs Friday, June 23, 2023, at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Dec. 5-11 include the New Standards, Girl in Red, Dillinger Four, Leo Kottke, Meshell Ndegeocello and Curtiss A's 45th annual John Lennon tribute.
Kendrick Lamar headlined 2023's Governors Ball Music Festival in New York and has mostly done only festival gigs since then.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA to tackle U.S. Bank Stadium together in April

The hip-hop duo will start their 19-city tour in Minneapolis, the second tour-opening date announced at the venue this week.
Ondara last performed in his adopted hometown of Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center in March 2023.

Globe-trotting Minneapolis singer Ondara settles at home for December residency

"It's really about hanging out with people since I haven't been around," the reclusive-of-late songwriter said of his gigs at Icehouse.
Brian Johnson, left, and Angus Young performed at Xcel Energy Center in 2016, the last time AC/DC hit Minnesota.

AC/DC to open U.S. tour in Minneapolis in April

Angus Young and Brian Johnson returned to the road in Europe in 2024 after an eight-year absence.
Wearing a multi-colored sequined pantsuit, Cyndi Lauper delivered a powerful and provocative set.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Nov. 28-Dec. 4 include Cyndi Lauper, Ondara, Annie Humphrey, Guante & Big Cats, Allman Betts Family Revival and Minnesota Orchestra's "Back to the Future."
Charli XCX performed at the iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball 2021 in New York pre-"Brat."

Charli XCX announces April concert in Minneapolis

The British dance-pop star skipped Minnesota in 2024 but is coming back around to play Target Center on April 26.
Musician Symone "SYM1" Wilson spoke on a panel about the Minneapolis Music Census at the Woman's Club on Wednesday, joined by (from left) publicist an

Citywide census confirms it: Minneapolis musicians are underpaid and unhappy

An unveiling of Minneapolis Music Census data spotlighted shortages in pay and youth compared with other cities.
Cory Wong performs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Nov. 21-27 include Eric Benét, Joe Bonamassa, Tommy Stinson, Cory Wong, Allie X, Ike Reilly and Laamar.
A country-looking Post Malone performed at the CMA Awards in Nashville last year ahead of his crossover from the pop and hip-hop world.

Post Malone and Jelly Roll to team up on 2025 stadium tour coming to Minneapolis in May

The May 20 date at U.S. Bank Stadium follows Post's crossover into country music with "I Had Some Help."
Tyler Childers, the bluegrassy alt-twang singer from Kentucky, performed early in his set at The Armory in Minneapolis Wednesday night, June 14, 2023.

Tyler Childers' 2025 tour will include Target Center and Alpine Valley stops

The unlikely Kentucky country music star will return to Minneapolis on April 9 and keep rolling into summer.
Jack White and his band performed on short notice Oct. 23 at First Avenue, part of his newly extended No Name Tour.

Jack White to play two more Twin Cities gigs in April, this time with more room (and notice)

The ex-White Stripes leader will hit the Palace Theatre on April 7 and 8, following last month's surprise set at First Avenue.
New KQRS morning show host Steve Gorman and his dog Chauncey at home in Minneapolis, where the former Black Crowes drummer moved in 2023 for the radio

New KQRS host Steve Gorman is pumped to join another Minnesota institution: Golden Smog

Tom Barnard's replacement has settled into his new Minneapolis surroundings and reconnected with musician friends from his hard-touring days as the Black Crowes' drummer.
Adam Bohanan rehearsed the Black Pumas song "Colors" before this week's knockout round on "The Voice."

Two of three Minnesota singers make it past knockout round on NBC's 'The Voice'

Minneapolis singers Cameron Wright and Adam Bohanan both move on to the playoffs, but not Minnetonka's Frankie Torres.
Adam Weiner kicked off Rock the Garden with Low Cut Connie in June. / Alex Kormann, Star Tribune

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Nov. 14-20 include Tinashe, Low Cut Connie, Chief Keef, Swamp Dogg, Amythyst Kiah, King Pari, Golden Smog and Judy Carmichael.
Grant Hart, left, and Bob Mould bash it out onscreen with Hüsker Dü in "7 Nights in the Entry," filmed in 1981 at 7th St. Entry and showing in this

Pivotal moments in Minneapolis music live on screen in two Sound Unseen film fest entries

Found footage of Devo, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü comes to life again in the movies "M-80″ and "7 Nights in the Entry."
Billie Eilish, who did not allow press photographers at her St. Paul concert Sunday, opened her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour at the Videotron Center in Q

Review: Billie Eilish's soft side still hits hard in first of two St. Paul in-the-round shows

The 22-year-old pop phenom hit on adolescent woes and the election results at Xcel Energy Center on Sunday.
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush performed Friday night at the Grandstand.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Nov. 7-13 include Billie Eilish, Happy Apple, Ana Gabriel, Ashley Cooke, Oak Ridge Boys and Little Big Town with Sugarland.
Nathaniel Rateliff, seen here at the last Rock the Garden festival in 2022, returned to town with the Night Sweats at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday.

Review: Nathaniel Rateliff's Night Sweats remain hot after a steady 10-year ascent

The Colorado soul rockers didn't lose their soulful verve Saturday in their first local arena gig at Xcel Energy Center.
Ike Reilly listens in his earplugs to the sound of his harmonica with First Avenue's brand new sound system during soundcheck before his band's 20th a

Ike Reilly honors 'warmth and strength' of Minneapolis ahead of annual First Ave gig

The Illinois rocker debuted his new ode to the Twin Cities, "At Least Another Day," at last year's Thanksgiving Eve show.
Jack White, center, and his band played to 1,500 lucky fans at First Avenue on Oct. 23 as part of his surprise-filled No Name Tour.

Did you miss Jack White's First Ave blowout? Hear a playback of it this weekend

The Current will broadcast a recording of the Minneapolis stop on the No Name Tour at 7 p.m. Saturday.
No word if Usher has found the shirt he apparently lost during his Super Bowl LVIII performance in Las Vegas this past February.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights from Oct. 31-Nov. 6 include Usher, Dasha, Nathaniel Rateliff, Brad Paisley, Nick Lowe, Okean Elzy and Halloween shows.
Inhaler returned to Minneapolis on Sunday to perform at the Fillmore.

Review: Irish rockers Inhaler make a killer impression beyond U2 family connection

Singer Elijah Hewson and his hard-working band didn't work too hard to avoid the obvious comparisons at the Fillmore.
Tyler, the Creator last performed in Minnesota in 2022 at Target Center.

Tyler, the Creator will kick off his 2025 tour in Minnesota in February

The Los Angeles hip-hop star listed Xcel Energy Center as the first stop on his Chromakopia Tour.
The crowd cheers for Hiway and Henny Holyfield at The Cabooze in Minneapolis on Oct. 15.

A 'like letter' to the Cabooze, as Minneapolis' old workhorse venue reopens at 50

Never too hip and always open to a wide range of music, the rugged West Bank rock club could prove valuable again.
Jack White looked out from the stage at First Avenue on Wednesday, a show only just announced on Monday.

Review: Jack White's return to First Avenue is one for the history books

The former White Stripes frontman came to Minneapolis on a pop-up tour hitting smaller, historic venues.
Justin Timberlake performed at the 2022 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala.

Justin Timberlake postpones tour due to illness, including next week's St. Paul stop

The "SexyBack" hitmaker has rolled with the punches this year but couldn't fight off bronchitis and laryngitis.
Madeleine Peyroux returns to the Dakota for two nights this week.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Oct. 24-30 include Madeleine Peyroux, Stevie Wonder, Maggie Rogers, Drive-By Truckers, Charles Lloyd, The The and Vince Staples.
Trampled by Turtles' long-cemented lineup from left: Ryan Young, Tim Saxhaug, Erik Berry, Eamonn McLain, Dave Carroll and Dave Simonett.

Trampled by Turtles finds new spark working with old friends Avetts, Dead Man Winter

Minnesota's acoustic warriors make their Xcel Center debut with one band Thursday and experimented on dueling EPs with the other.
Jack White performed in June for the reopening party of Michigan Central terminal in his hometown of Detroit.

Jack White's year of surprises will lead him to First Avenue for underplay gig Wednesday

Tickets go on sale Tuesday via an RSVP system for the former White Stripes frontman's first gig at the club in 14 years.
Leon Bridges is leaving Texas to promote his new album, "Leon," at the Armory in Minneapolis on Tuesday.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Oct. 17-23 include Pink, Leon Bridges, Dawn Richard, Iron Maiden, Rick Wakeman, Adeem the Artist, L.A. Buckner and Psychedelic Furs with the Jesus and Mary Chain.
Sabrina Carpenter, who did not allow press photographers into Monday's Target Center concert, performs in August at San Francisco's Outside Lands fest

Review: Sabrina Carpenter appears to be enjoying her moment in sold-out Minneapolis concert

The "Espresso" hitmaker brought a big, flashy production and cheeky but cheery attitude to Target Center.
The newly-opened Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub in Minneapolis September 23, 2012. (Courtney Perry/Special to the Star Tribune)

Prost! 2 Minnesota breweries win Great American Beer Fest gold medals with German flavors

Arbeiter and Northbound both took top awards in German-style beer categories, and Ursa Minor won a bronze for its Irish red-style ale.
Mikayla Bryngelson enjoyed a Dual Citizen Hazy IPA at the Autumn Brew Review, which drew more than 2,000 beer lovers to Minneapolis' Boom Island Park

13 standout beers and 4 hot newcomers from Minnesota brewers' Autumn Brew Review

Collaboration beers and new outlets stood out at this year's popular beermaker showcase at Boom Island Park.
Pink has given Twin Cities fans a reason to raise their glasses as she is slated to perform Thursday and Friday at Xcel Energy Center after last year'

Two nights are better than one for fans of Pink, Eilish and other Twin Cities concertgoers

Usher, too, is settling in for two nights in an arena this fall, helping fend off inflated resale prices and poorer stadium acoustics.
Talent buyers at First Avenue and the Orpheum in Minneapolis took top honors at the IBEA Awards in Nashville.

Three Twin Cities venues win big at national concert industry conference

Talent buyers at First Avenue, the Orpheum and State Fair won trophies at the IEBA Awards in Nashville.
In this 1978 photo taken by Janet Macoska and released by Devo, Inc., the band Devo, from left, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, kneeling, Jerry C

Devo, Linda Perry docs lead lineup for 25th (and final?) Sound Unseen festival in Minneapolis

M-80 and Twin/Tone Records concert films will also be shown as the film fest for music lovers prepares for a hiatus.
Sabrina Carpenter performed at the Coachella festival in April to kick off her tour coming Monday to Target Center.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Oct. 10-16 include Sabrina Carpenter, Savion Glover, Cody Johnson, MJ Lenderman, T Bone Burnett and Mdou Moctar.
Fontaines D.C. lead singer Grian Chatten performs as the opening act for Arctic Monkeys at the Armory.

Review: The Irish band that Oasis recently trashed outshined their rivals in Minneapolis

Fontaines D.C. played to a packed Fillmore crowd following some unwanted publicity and a more varied fourth album.
Chan Poling came out from behind the piano to sing during the New Standards' holiday concerts at the State Theatre in 2018.

New Standards and Jayhawks announce December hometown gigs, with new twists

Tickets for the 2024 installments of both bands' long-running holiday stands go on sale Friday.
PJ Harvey put on a shadowy first half of her concert Wednesday at St. Paul's Palace Theatre.

Review: British rocker PJ Harvey challenges, then rewards Minnesota fans in long-awaited return

The influential '90s noisemaker played her quieter new album in full at a packed Palace Theatre.
Ex-Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard returns Sunday to the Palace Theatre on a co-headlining tour with Michael Kiwanuka.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Oct. 3-9 include Brittany Howard, Babyface, Mk.gee, Musiq Soulchild, Air, Billy Bragg and the free Surly Darkness Day.
Molly Brandt unlocked her songwriter side during the pandemic and is already releasing her second album this week, "American Saga."

Introducing Molly Brandt and a new wave of Americana artists in the Twin Cities

Brandt's new album, "American Saga," is a highlight among a young crop of alt-twangers also featuring Clare Doyle and Cole Diamond.
Brothers Liam Gallagher, left, and Noel Gallagher performed with Oasis at Target Center in 2008, a year before breaking up the band.

Oasis' nearest U.S. reunion tour stop to Minnesota is Chicago's Soldier Field

The Gallagher brothers only listed four U.S. cities on a global 2025 itinerary announced Monday.
Cloud Cult's full lineup reconvened to record "Alchemy Creek" earlier this year.

Facing another 'journey of loss and hurt,' Cloud Cult turned to fans to help spark new album

Craig Minowa relied on emotional support from his orchestral rock band's Patreon members while writing songs for "Alchemy Creek."
Sturgill Simpson performs during a concert for the “Why Not?” Tour at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

Review: One of the year's best concerts wasn't spoiled by one of Minnesota's worst venues

Country rocker Sturgill Simpson rose above the din of Roy Wilkins Auditorium with a marathon three-hour set.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex early in their show Tuesday at Excel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Review: Dream-pop band Cigarettes After Sex lights up St. Paul arena with ultra-low flair

The ambient Texas trio got bumped up to Xcel Center just two years after it played First Ave.
British rock hero PJ Harvey plays St. Paul's Palace Theatre on Wednesday as part of her first U.S. tour in seven years.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Sept. 26-Oct. 2 include PJ Harvey, ELO, Cowboy Junkies, Jimmy Webb, Morris Day & the Time, the Family Stone and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Jason Narducy, left, and Michael Shannon have been performing albums in Chicago bars for a decade, also including ones by the Smiths and Modern Lovers

Oscar nominee and indie-rock vet will celebrate R.E.M. again at First Ave in 2025

Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy will perform 'Fables of the Reconstruction' on tour this time out, with a Wilco member joining in.
Bon Iver's Justin Vernon performed in the Water is Life Festival at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth on Wednesday.

Hear the first track from Wisconsin indie-rock hero Bon Iver's 'reset and reintroduction'

Eau Claire strummer Justin Vernon will release a three-song set on Oct. 18, his first new music in five years.
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5 songs, 2 bands, 1 big surprise: Trampled by Turtles and Dead Man Winter drop dueling EPs today

Frontman Dave Simonett recorded the same set of tunes with both bands. And then didn't tell anyone about it.