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
Benson Boone performed last month at the Coachella festival in Indio, Calif., ahead of his first 'SNL' gig and U.S. arena tour.

High-flying 'Beautiful Things' singer will kick off first U.S. arena tour in St. Paul in August

Benson Boone's American Heart Tour will open at Xcel Energy Center on Aug. 22, just two years after he played in town at the Fine Line.
Nick Cave led the Bad Seeds through eight dramatic songs from their new album, "Wild God," Sunday at the Armory in Minneapolis.

Review: Nick Cave goes wild again with his old band in riveting Minneapolis show

The Aussie rocker added choral touches and a little humor to sweeten his long and heavy set with the Bad Seeds at the Armory.
Lead singer Craig Finn with guitarist Steve Selvidge of the Hold Steady during their set Thursday at the 7th St. Entry. This was the beloved Minnesota

Review: The Hold Steady kicks off 4 massive Minneapolis nights at tiny 7th St. Entry

"The story started here," frontman Craig Finn told fans who came from all over to celebrate his band's second album.
Craig Finn of the Hold Steady  (center) celebrated "Separation Sunday's" release at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in 2005 with band members Gal

From 2005: The Hold Steady breaks out with 'Separation Sunday'

Our report from the Minnesota-rooted band's New York release party for its second album in 2005. This weekend in Minneapolis, the band celebrates the 20th anniversary of that album.
Nick Cave, left, and Warren Ellis have scored dozens of movie and TV scores together outside of the Bad Seeds, who return to the Armory in Minneapolis

Nick Cave's bandmate and scoring partner cites 'deeper intensity' before Minneapolis gig

Warren Ellis of the Bad Seeds discusses what has and hasn't changed over the past decade amid family tragedy.
Sturgill Simpson returns to the Armory in Minneapolis for two nights.

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

Highlights from May 1-6 include Sturgill Simpson, Hold Steady, Lucy Dacus, Cornbread Harris and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
Hank Williams Jr., left, performed with Eric Church at the CMA Awards in 2015 and has been touring of late with Kid Rock.

Country music's most famous son playing Minnesota State Fair with all-star opener

Hank Williams Jr. will be joined by Marty Stuart at the grandstand on Aug. 27, Bocephus' first show there since 1993.
Charli XCX performed at AXE Ceremonia in Mexico City on April 5 ahead of Saturday's concert at Target Center in Minneapolis, where news photographers

Review: Charli XCX treats her Minneapolis 'Brat' pack to a hyper dance party

The British electro-pop hitmaker put on a short and very un-sweet show Saturday at a packed Target Center.
Lift Bridge's original flagship beer, the Farm Girl saison, left, will be discontinued as the Stillwater brewery launches Farm Day golden ale.

One of Minnesota's early-favorite craft beers is being put out to pasture

Lift Bridge Brewing is sidelining its original flagship beer, Farm Girl saison, for the more accessible Farm Day golden ale.
Surly Brewing Co., operator of the state's largest beer hall, is closing that beer hall, the adjacent pizza restaurant and retail shop in early Novemb

Minneapolis' Surly Brewing announces taproom and pizzeria in Grand Forks

The new Surly site will adjoin a second location of Rogers-based eatery Short or Tall on the UND campus.
Charli XCX resumes her Brat Tour in Minneapolis on Saturday at Target Center after appearances at the Coachella festival the past two weekends.

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

Highlights for April 24-30 include Charli XCX, Justin Hayward, Room 3, Tyshawn Sorey, Deep Sea Diver and Djo.
Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor to play Minnesota State Fair in 2025, a decade after canceling

The "All About That Bass" hitmaker is due at the grandstand on Aug. 22 after being sidelined by a vocal cord injury in 2015.
Bob "Slim" Dunlap has his own star not far from his old band the Replacements' star outside First Avenue, which is hosting a tribute to Dunlap on May

Bob 'Slim' Dunlap memorial May 19 at First Ave to be 'true celebration of life'

A cast of musical friends will help the former Replacements guitarist's family memorialize him. But they won't just be playing music.
Cynthia Erivo performed with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Coachella festival Saturday in Indio, Calif.

'Wicked' star nails 'Purple Rain' at Coachella before Monday's anniversary of Prince's death

Cynthia Erivo delivered the Prince classic with the L.A. Philharmonic ahead of the sad anniversary, which is also being marked for free at Paisley Park.
Kendrick Lamar, seen here at the Super Bowl in New Orleans in February, brought the same Buick GNX to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday but

Review: Kendrick Lamar reigns supreme in Minneapolis tour kickoff with SZA

The "All the Stars" hitmakers pulled out all the stops on opening night of their ambitious Grand National Tour.
The Minnesota Craft Brewers Cup trophies were lined up to be handed out at last weekend's Minnesota Brewers Conference in Bloomington.

These are the state's best beers, according to the 2025 Minnesota Brewers Cup

Boom Island, Luce Line, Lupulin and Spilled Grain were among the small craft brewers to win in the annual taste-test contest.
The New Standards performed for last year's Lowertown Sounds series in St. Paul's Mears Park and are due back in 2025 on June 19.

Still going, still free: St. Paul's Lowertown Sounds concert series announces 2025 lineup

The New Standards, Yam Haus, Dr. Mambo's Combo and Tina Schlieske are among the homegrown acts booked to play the nine-week series.
Posters for "Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII” and "Neil Young: Coastal" will go up in Twin Cities movie houses this month.

Pink Floyd and Neil Young concert films set Twin Cities screening times

Young's new tour doc "Coastal" is showing around town Thursday, while "Pink Floyd at Pompeii" has times set April 24 and 27.
Kendrick Lamar, seen at the halftime of the Super Bowl in February, returns to an NFL stadium to kick off his tour with SZA in Minneapolis.

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

Highlights for April 17-23 include Kendrick Lamar with SZA, Paul Simon, Lady Blackbird, My Morning Jacket and Bob Mould.
Stevie Nicks' first performance of 2025 was at the FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30 in Inglewood, California.

Stevie Nicks to hit St. Paul again in August following Fleetwood Mac's end

The Aug. 19 date at Xcel Energy Center is part of a nine-show run of solo dates by the two-time Rock Hall inductee.
Scott Avett, left, and Seth Avett of the Avett Brothers performed at Tennessee's Pilgrimage Festival in 2017.

Bluegrassy hitmakers Avett Brothers added to Minnesota State Fair's 2025 grandstand lineup

The North Carolina pickers will be joined by Milk Carton Kids for the Aug. 29 concert, their second time as fair headliners.
The Electric Fetus was poppin' for Record Store Day 2016

5 things to know about Record Store Day 2025 in the Twin Cities

There's a new store, new owners of another store and new versions of old Minnesota albums lined up for Saturday's big day out.
Tyler Childers performs at Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Review: Kentucky twanger Tyler Childers sells out and soars in his first Minnesota arena show

The "In Your Love" hitmaker played to a wider variety of fans at Target Center but stuck to his same old good-ol'-boy sound.
Fans mingled Wednesday afternoon at the AC/DC Dive Bar in Minneapolis, which the band set up ahead of its concert Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minneapolis' AC/DC Dive Bar is now open to salute those about to rock Thursday's concert

Booze and merch are for sale at the pop-up space erected ahead of the band's U.S. Bank Stadium show. Tattoos are free, though.
Hüsker Dü's members (left to right) Greg Norton, Grant Hart and Bob Mould broke up in 1988 but kept playing the band's music in the ensuing years; i

Hometown fans have three to-dos to celebrate Hüsker Dü in concert this spring

Thursday's Grant Hart tribute in Minneapolis precedes upcoming shows by his old bandmates Bob Mould and Greg Norton.
Our music critics grade the 53 essential Twin Cities music venues. On the left, First Avenue. On the right, U.S. Bank Stadium.

Grading 53 essential Twin Cities music venues — big and small, best and worst

What we love and don't love about the places Minnesota music lovers frequent, from the puny 7th St. Entry to (gulp!) gargantuan U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jack White got up close and personal with Minnesota fans again Tuesday night at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.

Review: Different songs, same exhilarating results from Jack White on Night 2 in St. Paul

The White Stripes frontman's second Palace Theatre show was more jammy and featured more tunes by his old band.
Brian Johnson, left, and Angus Young of AC/DC kick off the veteran Aussie band's North American tour at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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

Highlights for April 10-16 include AC/DC, the Linda Lindas, Nubya Gargia, Alan Sparhawk and Bill Murray's band.
Atmosphere rapper Sean “Slug” Daley performed at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in 2016 for the Soundset festival, whose up-and-comers that year

Hometown hip-hop vets to finally headline Minnesota State Fair grandstand in 2025

Former Soundset festival hosts Atmosphere will return to the fairgrounds on Aug. 23 with "friends" including Cypress Hill and Lupe Fiasco.
Alan Sparhawk returns to First Avenue on Thursday for his first show there since the end of Low.

Minnesota indie-rock hero Alan Sparhawk is still finding his path after Low

The renowned Duluth singer has re-emerged from the loss of his wife and bandmate with two very different solo albums.
Jack White returned to Minnesota to play his first of two nights at St. Paul's Palace Theatre with the same band he showcased at First Avenue last Sep

Review: Jack White blows 'em away once again in first of two St. Paul 'No Name' shows

The White Stripes frontman hit the Palace Theatre with the same band and no-nonsense approach as last year's First Ave concert.
Tom Berg opened Falling Knife Brewing Co. with partners in 2019 after brewing at Wicked Wort and at home.

Falling Knife Brewing founder Tom Berg has died unexpectedly at 46

The award-winning beermaker was also a noisemaker in the bands Self-Evident and Zebulon Pike.
Posters for Munson Fest and Front Row Paul Fest were unveiled this week along with stacked lineups for each event.

Two beloved Minnesota music scene figures will be honored with upcoming festivals

Big gigs at the Fitzgerald and Palmer's have been booked for Semisonic bassist John Munson and superfan Paul Engebretson.
Former Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, who joined KQRS 92.5 FM as its morning show host in 2023, is part of the station's new branding to a more �

KQRS 92.5 FM relaunches with more '90s alt-rock and familiar new DJs

Ex-staffers from the Current and Cities 97 will join Steve Gorman on air as the classic rock radio station aims for more Gen X listeners.
Farina Rossa pizza’s Greg Keaton looks for the patron who ordered a pizza at Fair State Brewing in Minneapolis Wednesday night, March 26, 2025.

Fair State Brewing emerges from bankruptcy with buzz — and pizza

Farina Rossa pizzeria has joined the mix as the co-op brewery doubles down on its northeast Minneapolis taproom amid economic challenges.
Blues star Shemekia Copeland returns to the Dakota.

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

Highlights for April 3-9 include Bob Dylan, the O'Jays, Tyler Childers, the Suburbs, Bright Eyes, Jack White, Shemekia Copeland and the Hard Quartet.
Memphis rapper GloRilla will bring her gloriousness to the Armory in Minneapolis.

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

Highlights for March 27-April 2 include GloRilla, Kraftwerk, Sona Jobarteh, ZZ Ward, Gary Louris and Snow Patrol.
Twin Cities classic-rock station KQRS-FM posted this "Under Construction" sign on its social-media pages Tuesday.

Classic rock station KQRS-FM goes 'under construction' without DJs ahead of relaunch

Station operator Cumulus Media sidelined KQ's on-air staff Tuesday and says it's "cooking up" something new for April 3.
Guitar guru Billy Strings performed at Pine Knob in his native Michigan in 2023.

Billy Strings picks Target Center for his first Minnesota arena concert

The Aug. 9 show will cap off the rootsy Michigan guitar picker's steady rise through local venues since 2017.
Gary Louris returns to Minneapolis this week to promote "Dark Country," a solo album he wrote after falling in love and moving to rural Quebec, Canada

Never mind the tariffs, here's Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, newly solo and Canadian

Minnesota's Americana music hero returns with a new album inspired by his "love at first sight" marriage and move to Quebec.
Lizzo, left, is co-producing the movie on Sister Rosetta Tharpe and will portray the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer on screen.

Minnesota hip-hop expat Lizzo to portray a rock legend in new biopic

The singer and rapper plans to star in a movie on gospel-turned-rock-pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Dave Pirner, center, dug deep into Soul Asylum's discography with guitarist Ryan Smith and drummer Michael Bland at 7th St. Entry on Friday to mark th

Review: Soul Asylum celebrates 7th St. Entry with a little help from a friend

Dave Pirner and his band returned to First Ave's kid-sister club Friday to kick off its 45th anniversary weekend.
Patrons had beers at in Northeast Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - March 14, 2013, Big Three northeast taprooms in Minneapol

Minneapolis craft-brew pioneer Dangerous Man will shut down all operations

The Northeast brewery had moved operations to Maple Lake after shutting down its original taproom in 2023.
Lizzo hammers away on a guitar early in her hourlong set Tuesday at First Avenue, where she frequently performed early in her career.

Review: Lizzo is full of 'Real Love' in homecoming-like First Avenue underplay gig

The ex-Minneapolitan received a star on the club's wall ahead of Tuesday's concert, which hyped a new record but also found her licking old wounds.
Los Lobos performs at the Americana Music Honors and Awards show Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn.

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

Highlights for March 20-26 include the War and Treaty, 7th St. Entry's 45th, Bela Fleck's new trio, Los Lobos and Madeleine Peyroux with Bettye LaVette.
Michael Shannon, center, and Jason Narducy led an all-star band through R.E.M.'s "Fables of the Reconstruction" at First Avenue on Wednesday.

Review: R.E.M. lives on via Hollywood actor and other familiar faces at First Avenue

Michael Shannon revisited 30-plus songs by the defunct Georgia quartet with members of Bob Mould's band and Wilco.
Mary J. Blige is headed to St. Paul on Sunday.

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

Highlights for March 13-19 include Lizzo, Mary J. Blige, Soccer Mommy, Suzanne Vega, Pam Linton and the Scarlet Goodbye.
John Munson, left, could not hide his enthusiasm rocking out with Dan Wilson when Semisonic headlined two nights at the Minnesota State Fair's Leinie

Minnesota music scene lines up to support John Munson of Semisonic following a stroke

A widely circulated GoFundMe campaign was started to help the veteran bassist, also of the New Standards and Trip Shakespeare.
At least one of the bands with their star next to the door of 7th St. Entry's entryway will return to celebrate the venue's 45th anniversary in late M

First Ave's 7th St. Entry announces special 45th anniversary concerts March 21-23

Soul Asylum, P.O.S. and Kiss the Tiger will each headline a night at the old horse they rode in on.
Davina & the Vagabonds performed a livestream at the Hook & Ladder Theater during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and will return to the venue in May for th

Who's playing Under the Canopy in 2025? Hook & Ladder announces 25 outdoor concerts.

Davina, Chastity Brown and Roots, Rock & Deep Blues Fest round out the summer lineup for the Minneapolis nonprofit venue.
Fans hung out on the music side of Pilllar Forum last week during a hip-hop show by CTM Music Collective.

How a much-needed all-ages music venue landed in a northeast Minneapolis skate shop

Pilllar Forum's proprietor didn't plan on live music at his Central Avenue hangout, but now he has it in droves.
Last year's Bockfest drew around 6,500 visitors to the Schell's Brewery in New Ulm, which remains family-owned going into its 165th year.

Bockfest returns to Schell's as Minnesota's oldest brewery proudly eschews trends

Saturday's party signals the family brewers' commitment to "what we know we do well," amid challenges that recently shuttered Leinenkugel's and other breweries.
Keri Noble, the veteran Twin Cities singer/songwriter turned radio personality, celebrates a new album she recorded last week.

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

Highlights for March 6-12 include Johnny Mathis, Morgan Wade, Keri Noble, MC Lyte, Helmet and Bobby Rush with North Mississippi Allstars.
In 2022, Bobby Rush performed at the Dakota, where he returns this week with the North Mississippi Allstars.

Blues legend Bobby Rush, 91, doubles up on Minnesota gigs with younger stars

Rush hits the Dakota this week with North Mississippi Allstars and returns in August touting a new album with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Nelly performed Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Nelly performed S

Minnesota Twins will be 'Hot' at least one night in 2025 when Nelly will perform postgame

The "Hot in Herre" hitmaker is booked for a July 11 concert at Target Field following a night game against the Pirates.
Lizzo's sold-out show at Xcel Energy Center in 2022 was her last time performing in the Twin Cities, where she got her start in music during the 2010s

Lizzo will return to First Avenue in March to hype her new album at old stomping grounds

The March 18 underplay gig is one of three to promote "Love in Real Life," whose title track she released as a single Friday.
Morgan James will salute Nina Simone with the JazzMN Orchestra.

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

Highlights for Feb. 27-March 5 include Finneas, Polica, Houndmouth, Morgan James, Terri Clark and Bobby Commodore.
Lee Ving, center, fronted Fear during its notorious 1981 appearance on "Saturday Night Live."

'SNL' bad boys Lee Ving and Fear lead old-school punk revival in Minneapolis

Taylor Hawkins' son will be on drums when the band bolstered by John Belushi makes it overdue return to Minnesota.
I would Dolby for you? A restored version of Prince's "Purple Rain" will be shown in AMC theaters on March 5.

A new Dolby-remade version of Prince's 'Purple Rain' will screen nationwide March 5

The hi-def restoration of the movie will play in AMC theaters, including Rosedale and Southdale in the Twin Cities.
credit: Provided by VocalEssence
Sweet Honey in the Rock

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

Highlights for Feb. 20-26 include Justin Timberlake, Kevin Cronin, Pink Sweat$, Sweet Honey in the Rock and Terence Blanchard's opera.
Louie Sirian is finally selling out after running Lee's Liquor Lounge in Minneapolis' North Loop for four decades.

'Old-school saloon keeper' and former Lee's Liquor Lounge owner Louie Sirian dies

The longtime Minneapolis bar owner died Saturday at 88, 10 years after selling the venue he helped make into a live music hub.
The Hotel Chelsea, built in 1884 on W. 23rd Street in Manhattan, reopened in 2022 after a grueling renovation process.

NYC's reopened Hotel Chelsea, seen in 'A Complete Unknown,' lives up to rock 'n' roll lore

My teenage daughter wanted to stay in the storied Manhattan hotel after reading about it in Patti Smith's memoir.
Brian Setzer with drummer Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats early in their performance Sunday night at the Island Event Center in Welch. ] JEFF WHEEL

Minnesota rocker Brian Setzer sidelined by autoimmune disease: 'I can't play guitar'

He's being treated at the Mayo Clinic and vowed to return to performing.
We're not in Wisconsin anymore: Justin Vernon cut loose with friends in a promo photo for his new Bon Iver album, "Sable, Fable."

Hear a song from Midwest music bard Bon Iver's first album in six years

A new music video filmed by HBO's John Wilson sets the tone for the Wisconsin Grammy winner's 'Sable, Fable,' due out April 11.
Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell are booked to play Surly Brewing's outdoor concert venue on Aug. 23 and Aug. 2, respectively.

Red-hot twangers Crockett and Ferrell add to Surly Brewing's bustling 2025 concert series

The Texas countryman's show on sale Friday brings the number of shows there to seven and counting.
In 2024 the Basilica Block Party was held for the first time at Boom Island Park across the river from the event's namesake church.

Basilica Block Party has been called off again for 2025, but not for good

The two-day musical fundraiser relocated to Boom Island Park in 2024 with Counting Crows headlining.
J P Dodel Photography Cecile McLorin Salvant

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

Highlights for Feb. 13-19 include Taylor Dayne, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Mary Bue, Benjamin Booker and Cymande.
Lead singer Joe Elliott of Def Leppard performed at Target Field last summer on tour with Journey.

Def Leppard leaving stadiums to play Minnesota State Fair in 2025

Joe Elliott and his crew will return to the grandstand on Aug. 26, their first time there since 2015.
The Replacements' "Tim" and the Jayhawks' "Blue Earth" will each be newly issued on vinyl for Record Store Day 2025.

Two Minneapolis bands announce new vinyl LP sets for Record Store Day 2025

Fans can pick up collectible editions of the Replacements' "Tim" and Jayhawks' "Blue Earth" on April 12.
Kendrick Lamar rolled out his hits during the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans on Sunday.

Review: Let's hope Kendrick Lamar's halftime show was a preview of his Minneapolis gig

The rap superstar's Super Bowl guests included SZA, who's booked with him at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 19.
Country star Parker McCollum will headline arenas in Duluth and Minneapolis this week.

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

Highlights for Feb. 6-12 include Parker McCollum, Toro y Moi, Guy Davis, God Bullies, Wallows, Baynk and Travis.
Tyler, the Creator headlined the Coachella festival last April in Indio, Calif.

Review: Tyler, the Creator kicks off 'Chromakopia' tour in St. Paul in dramatic fashion

The Los Angeles rap star found a fun way to balance his old faves with more introspective new tunes.
Morgan Wade performed early in the day on the big stage during the 2024 Minnesota Yacht Club Festival at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul.

Sold out? Minnesota Yacht Club festival reports high demand for three-day passes.

Lots of higher-priced tickets are still available.
Laura Kiernan, left, will perform with her namesake band in First Avenue's Best New Bands lineup Friday alongside Ojibwe-rooted trio Bizhiki.

Christy Costello, Kiernan, Dalmatian Club are among First Ave's Best New Bands of 2024

Friday's marathon also features Room3, Porch Light and Ojibwe-rooted experimental trio Bizhiki.
Tyler, the Creator will launch his Chromakopia Tour at Xcel Energy Center.

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

Highlights for Jan. 30-Feb. 5 include Lauren Mayberry, David Gray, Guster, Best New Bands of 2024 and Tyler, the Creator.