Staff Directory 8660039

Jon Bream

Critic / Reporter | Pop Music
Phone: 612-673-1719

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.


Bream has interviewed such music royalty as the King of Pop (Michael Jackson), the Queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin) and Prince as well as Bob Dylan, U2, three Beatles, four Rolling Stones and all of Maroon 5. He has performed with Alice Cooper, jogged with Willie Nelson and walked the streets of New York with Bruce Springsteen. A longtime voter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bream has also written for the Los Angeles Times, Billboard, Vibe and other publications. He has a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota, where he established the Jon Bream Scholarship for Arts Criticism.
Recent content from Jon Bream
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.
Burton Cummings rocks out at the Medina Entertainment Center.

Review: Burton Cummings rocks baby boomers with Guess Who hits and that mustache

In Medina, the pioneering Canadian rocker shared his childhood memories of visits to Minneapolis.
The Jonas Brothers - Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas seen at Xcel Energy Center in 2023 - will return to the St. Paul arena in October.

Jonas Brothers will return to Xcel Energy Center on Oct. 10

Tickets to their 20th anniversary tour will go on sale this week.
The War and Treaty, Tanya and Michael Trotter, will kick off their new tour at the Fine Line in Minneapolis.

Seeing is believing in the War and Treaty, the acclaimed Americana duo

Headed to Minneapolis, the Nashville couple promote their award-winning music on TV, including in an Ozempic ad.
Kid Rock in concert in 2018 in Pontiac, Mich. Media photographers were not allowed at Saturday's Kid Rock concert at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Review: Where was DOGE when Kid Rock needed them?

His long Minneapolis concert featured plenty of politics and patriotism amid the galvanizing rap/rock.
The Steve Miller Band, with Miller in the middle, will headline Aug. 28 at the Minnesota State Fair.

Steve Miller, the Rascals headed to Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 28

Tickets will go on sale Friday to see these Rock & Roll Hall of Famers.
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.
Page Burkum & Jack Torrey of The Cactus Blossoms perform at the Palace Theatre on the second night of its reopening. Photo By: Matt Weber

Cactus Blossoms, Nur-D, Big Wu will headline Wild Nights at the Minnesota Zoo

Tickets are on sale for the fourth annual music series featuring local artists.
FILE - In this April 26, 2014 file photo, Jason Aldean performs during his headlining set on day two of the 2014 Stagecoach Music Festival at the Empi

Country superstar Jason Aldean is headed to St. Paul on Sept. 6

Tickets to see the controversial "Try That in a Small Town" hitmaker will go on sale Friday.
Shannon Curfman checks out a new instrument at Vig Guitars in St. Paul before heading off to a tour rehearsal with Kid Rock in Detroit.

Twin Cities singer/guitarist Shannon Curfman is conflicted about being in Kid Rock's band

Headed to Target Center, they disagree on social issues, but love and music keep them together.
Mary J. Blige opens her concert on For My Fans Tour on Sunday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.





  ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startrib

Review: Mary J. Blige overcomes odd entrance and pacing to give regal concert in St. Paul

The show was rushed with too many seams but her voice showed why she's still the queen of hip-hop soul.
Prince and Bob Dylan aren't the only Minnesota musicians to create tunes worthy of the official state song.

Besides Prince and Bob Dylan, what other state songs should Minnesota consider?

Lawmakers are proposing "Purple Rain" and "Girl from the North Country" to join "Hail! Minnesota." We auditioned some additional choices.
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.
Catherine Russell will perform in June at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in St. Paul.

Catherine Russell, Emmet Cohen Trio to headline Twin Cities Jazz Festival

The 27th annual free fest in St. Paul also will feature the harmonizing Four Freshmen.
Keith Urban, seen at the Fine Line in Minneapolis last year, returns to Xcel Energy Center on Sept. 26.

Country superstar Keith Urban returns on Sept. 26 at Xcel Energy Center

Tickets will go on sale on Friday.
Johnny Mathis performs at Mystic Lake Casino Showroom in Prior Lake, Minnesota.  (Ellen Schmidt/Special to The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Review: At 89, Johnny Mathis was still 'wonderful, wonderful' at Mystic Lake

The crooner's voice was remarkably pristine in his first Twin Cities concert since 2014.
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.
David Johansen, pictured in 2004, was one of rock's great minor figures. He died Friday.

Remembering David Johansen: NY rocker who paved the way for Replacements and other DIY bands

He made his mark with the glam-punk New York Dolls and lounge lizard Buster Poindexter.
Joey Molland heading home from The Villa. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com Joey Molland, British rock star of Badfinger who has lived h

Badfinger guitarist Joey Molland dies at 77

Beatles-connected rock star lived in Twin Cities for 40 years.
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.
Justin Timberlake performs during the Forget Tomorrow World Tour at Barclays Center in New York City.

Review: Justin Timberlake dazzles and disappoints in St. Paul

He skipped his climactic encore gimmick and dwelled too much on his forgettable new album.
Cymande

Review: '70s British soul band heats up Varsity Theater in Minneapolis

After being sampled by top hip-hop artists, Cymande is enjoying its "Renascence."
Tiesto will headline Breakaway Minnesota 2025 in June in St. Paul.

Breakaway EDM fest will feature Tiësto in June in St. Paul

Alison Wonderland and John Summit are among two dozen acts headed to Allianz Field grounds.
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.
FILE - This April 2, 2012 file photo shows singer Paul Simon performing at "A Celebration of Paul Newman's Dream" to benefit "SeriousFun" an associati

Paul Simon is coming to Minneapolis for 3 nights in April on 'a quiet' tour

Tickets go on sale Friday for his first trek since a 2018 farewell run in arenas.
Justin Timberlake performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots Sunday,

Bream: The ups and downs of Justin Timberlake's solo career

From "SNL" superstar to wardrobe malfunction, the song-and-dance man returns to St. Paul.
REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin will debut the Kevin Cronin Band on Feb. 22 at Treasure Island Casino.

Bitter REO Speedwagon divorce begets Kevin Cronin Band

He'll make his official debut Saturday at Treasure Island Casino.
Taylor Dayne is coming to the Dakota for two performances on Sunday.

Pop star Taylor Dayne becomes reality TV regular and cancer detection advocate

"Tell It to My Heart" hitmaker heads to Minneapolis on Sunday.
Mariah Carey. Photo by Dennis Leupold.

Bream: New Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations are short on women and artists of color

Our critic evaluates 2025 candidates from Oasis to Outkast.
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.
Parker McCollum performs his “What Kinda Man" Tour at Target Center on Feb. 7.

Review: Country star Parker McCollum was all about good hooks, good looks, good guitars

He proudly introduced his 6-month-old son and wife at Target Center.
FILE � Prince performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., April 27, 2008. Prince Rogers Nelson, the singularly flambo

Controversial Prince Netflix documentary will not be released

Prince's estate and Netflix reach an agreement to quash the nine-hour project.
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.
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2012, file photo, Bob Dylan performs in Los Angeles. The music legend has quietly put concert tickets on sale for a tour in su

Bob Dylan announces more Upper Midwest concerts including Eau Claire on April 5

The Minnesota icon's summer tour with Willie Nelson is headed to Alpine Valley in Wisconsin.
A very surprised Beyoncé accepts the award for best country album for "Cowboy Carter."

Bream: Grammys did right by honoring Beyoncé and Lamar, but the Beatles?

Sunday's Gen Z-centric ceremonies sometimes seemed like a telethon for Los Angeles fire relief.
Beyonce, right, and Prince perform during the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) ORG XMIT:

It took a parade of people to accept Prince's lifetime achievement Grammy

At the ceremony, his ex-lawyer said the controversial Netflix documentary won't air.
Lainey Wilson will headline Oct. 18 at Xcel Energy Center.

Country star Lainey Wilson will headline Oct. 18 at Xcel Energy Center

Tickets will go on sale this week for the country entertainer of the year.
Billie Eilish is a Grammy favorite with "Hit Me Hard and Soft."

Beyoncé, Billie or 'Brat'? Our critic's predictions for who will win at the Grammys.

Look for Queen Bey to finally rule at Sunday's awards.
Dylan Salfer says Buddy Guy told him: "If you want to make a million bucks, you have to look like a million bucks."

Dylan Salfer wins Memphis blues competition and gets cussed out by Buddy Guy

Scene Makers Q&A: Twin Cities blues guitarist has moved on from his four-year Bunker's residency.
The big coup for the Minnesota Yacht Club in 2025 is landing Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes, who have been on hiatus since 2017.

Bream: Why are we so excited for the second annual Minnesota Yacht Club music fest?

The three-day lineup for July is deep and desirable but lacking diversity.
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.
Dave Pirner will lead Soul Asylum to the Music by the Mississippi festival at Treasure Island Amphitheater in July.

Soul Asylum, Shakey Graves to rock Music by the Mississippi

The second annual fest will be expanded to two days in July at Treasure Island Amphitheater.
Kelsea Ballerini performed Friday at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Review: Kelsea Ballerini wows as country's next big arena star

Her personality, production and passion sparkled Friday at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Kelsea Ballerini will bring her first arena headline tour to Target Center on Friday.

How therapy helped country star Kelsea Ballerini get through divorce and a school shooting

She heads to Target Center in Minneapolis on Friday for her first headline arena tour.
Frank Black, who kicked up a lot of noise with the Pixies last summer at Surly Brewing Festival Field, headlines the Current's 20th anniversary party

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

Highlights for Jan. 23-29 include Kelsea Ballerini, Kerry King, Leftover Salmon, Urban Hillbilly Quartet and the Current's 20th birthday parties.
Bob Dylan plays harmonica with his Band while performing at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minn. Tuesday July 9, 2013 during a stop on the American

With a wink, Bob Dylan joins TikTok days before it might be banned

In his posts, the Jokerman indicates he knows what's happening with the popular social media platform.
Monique Linder in the green room of OMG Studios in St. Paul.

Monique Linder went from marketing Prince to educating young musicians

Scene Makers Q&A: The Twin Cities entrepreneur also produces movies and promotes State Fair concerts.
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.
Old Dominion's Brad Tursi and Matthew Ramsey, seen rocking out at Xcel Energy Center, will open the State Fair grandstand series.

Country stars Old Dominion will kick off Minnesota State Fair grandstand shows

Tickets for the Aug. 21 show will go on sale Friday for the award-winning group's first fair gig since 2018.
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.
Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in 1965.

Revisiting Bob Dylan's first electric concert in Minneapolis

Then-rookie reporter Dave Mona didn't know what was happening at the 1965 show.
Grammy-winning jazz composer Maria Schneider suits up for a video shoot for her new Minnesota Vikings rouser.

Are you ready for a thunderous new rouser for the Vikings?

Grammy-winning Maria Schneider composes a new fight song for her home team.
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.
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.
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.
FILE - In this Feb. 8, 2015 file photo, Prince presents the award for album of the year at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Prince was th

Prince will receive lifetime achievement Grammy, a prize usually for underrecognized artists

Other honorees include Frankie Valli, Frankie Beverly, Taj Mahal, Roxanne Shanté and the Clash.
Edward Norton, left, as Pete Seeger, and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, perform in a scene from "A Complete Unknown."

12 Minnesota musicians review the Bob Dylan biopic: Thumbs-up, but...

The locals couldn't decide who would gain more fans from the film — Dylan or Timothée Chalamet.
Elle Fanning, left, as Sylvie Russo and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan take a motorcycle ride to the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a fictitious scene i

10 inaccuracies in the Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown'

The miscues won't distract from viewers' enjoyment but romantic timelines are muddled.
It's Rachael & Vilray, with the guitarist Vilray standing in front of a vintage chest and singer Rachael Price seated on a chair, making eyes at him.

Lake Street Dive singer will bring her 'quieter' band to Minneapolis

Rachael & Vilray offer original jazz with a 1930s and '40s vibe.
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.
Los Lobos' David Hidalgo takes an accordion solo during "Kiko and the Lavender Moon" at the Dakota in Minneapolis.

Review: Los Lobos and Tower of Power prove why great live bands last for 50 years

The hard-touring California groups thrilled baby boomers at the Dakota and Mystic Lake.
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.
James Taylor performs onstage at the 2016 All for the Hall Los Angeles Benefit Concert at The Novo by Microsoft on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in Los Ang

James Taylor will return to St. Paul on June 17

Tickets will go on sale Friday for the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's Xcel Energy Center concert.
Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour Book," a Target exclusive, is a must-have for all bracelet-wearing Swifties.

11 books to give music lovers this holiday season

The tuneful list ranges from Taylor Swift and Prince photo books to De La Soul and Joni Mitchell bios.
Sophia Rasmussen brings a taste of "The Nutcracker" to the annual New Standards Holiday Show at the State Theatre.

Review: The New Standards Holiday Show surprises with 'Nutcracker' and a batty Dessa

Other highlights of the annual romp included Jeremy Messersmith's sendup of the Mall of America.
Cyndi Lauper belts during her farewell tour Wednesday at Target Center.

Review: Despite vocal problems, Cyndi Lauper has fun in her Minneapolis farewell show

Lucinda Williams makes a guest appearance after Lauper started and stopped a ballad three times.
"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.
Devon Allman delivers "Dreams" with Luther Dickinson, right, during the Allman Betts Family Revival concert at the State Theatre in Minneapolis.

Review: Allman Betts Family Revival sparks flashbacks to St. Paul's greatest concert

Scions of the Allman Brothers Band salute their fathers with a terrific all-star concert at the State Theatre.
Billy McLaughlin sits behind the driver seat of his 1969 bus, named Angel, at C&J Bus Repair in Bloomington on Nov. 21. McLaughlin will take the bus o

Meet Angel, the bus that takes SimpleGifts to its Minnesota holiday concerts

Guitarist Billy McLaughlin drives the eight-bunk bus that has traveled 4 million miles.
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."
Cory Wong, as captured on the big screen, rocks out during his encore on Saturday at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.

Review: How an in-show news conference elevated local guitar hero Cory Wong's St. Paul show

There were plenty of guitar and horn fireworks in an evening of entertaining jazzy funk.
FILE � Prince performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., April 27, 2008. Prince Rogers Nelson, the singularly flambo

Rare Prince guitar sells for $381,000 at auction

It was the big purchase at a sale that also featured an Eddie Van Halen guitar and a Michael Jackson fedora.
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.