Ed Ackerson News Today

Prompted by the passing of a friend, John P. Strohm returns after 16 years with an album of mid-life reflections and the pop savvy he is known for.

The south Minneapolis live music hubs outdoor series will return for a third year with another eclectic lineup.

With their first album since 1995, the arty punks return to prove theyre one of Minnesotas best bands.

Critics picks for entertainment in the week ahead.

Highlights for Feb. 23-March 1 include Muse, Chapel Hart, Bob Weir, Los Tigres del Norte and Cecile McLorin Salvant

Two of Polaras albums for Interscope are finally streaming online, while the Honeydogs second LP is coming on vinyl.

"Southeast of Saturn 2" features tracks by the 27 Various, Shapeshifter and Fauna.

The Scarlet Goodbye opened for the Minnesota music legends at a Nov. 3 show. Nearly four decades since its founding, Run Westy Run proved as rambunctious as ever.

21 New Holiday Songs Out This Week The holidays are upon us, and whether you’re feeling festive or not, musicians are climbing aboard the tinsel bandwagon with new songs for the season. We offer to you a week’s worth of them, nestled in one place, like gifts under a tree. We already posted  dozens of new holiday songs this year so far. Here are more that came out this week. THE SOUL SANTAS (BEAK>) - CHRISTMAS CRACKERS, VOL 1 The Soul Santas are Beak>s Geoff Barrow and Billy Fuller, plus ...

The year in Minnesota music: best albums and most trying moments Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune © Star Tribune/Star Tribune/BRIAN PETERSON • brian.peterson@startribune.com/Star Tribune/TNS First Avenue was boarded up in June, in the aftermath of unrest throughout the city. One of the happiest moments Ive witnessed at First Avenue occurred this past January. What a deceptive start to the year that was. It arrived at the end of First Aves annual Best New Bands showcase, w...