Carol Roth 4/15/21 Carol Roth 4/15/21

Artist Interview: Q&A with Eli Gardiner

Minneapolis-based artist Eli Gardiner talks about his latest album, The Fire and the Medicine, how he approaches songwriting, and more.

Carol Roth 4/8/21 Carol Roth 4/8/21

Show Review: The Cactus Blossoms at First Ave

More than ‘just’ a show: Dispatches from the Cactus Blossoms concert at First Ave

On March 27, 2021, Carol and Jaclyn attended this very limited-seating show (which was also livestreamed). We hadn’t seen a show together since March 9, 2020, so it was an especially special night—even if it hadn’t been Carol’s favorite band playing, even if it wasn’t at the iconic First Avenue nightclub. So we both wanted to share our impressions of the concert.

Carol Roth 4/1/21 Carol Roth 4/1/21

Music Review: Jake and Ira, The Cabin in the Valley

Jake and Ira Breathe New Life Into Old-Time Music
Saskatchewan artists Jake and Ira’s new album blends covers and originals in a joyous celebration of old-time bluegrass and country.

Carol Roth 3/25/21 Carol Roth 3/25/21

Artist Interview: Ryan Westwood

Indie singer-songwriter Ryan Westwood talks about his journey to becoming a self-produced musician and his just-released debut single, “By All Accounts.”

Carol Roth 3/18/21 Carol Roth 3/18/21

Artist Interview: Q & A with Annie Mack

Crossover artist Annie Mack talks about the intertwined history of blues and country, and about representing her whole self, unapologetically, on her newest release.

Carol Roth 3/17/21 Carol Roth 3/17/21

Music Review: Annie Mack’s Testify

Annie Mack’s new EP is a genre-defying triumph

From the first note she sang, I was completely ready to give the whole EP a chance. Annie Mack has one of those voices that taps directly into the pleasure centers of the brain.

Carol Roth 3/11/21 Carol Roth 3/11/21

Show Review: Charlie Parr & Mikkel at Midway Saloon

Charlie Parr and Mikkel revisit their West Bank folk days

This show had that speakeasy feel that several pandemic concerts have had — money and information exchanged on Venmo, a tromp through an icy field to an unmarked back door, a verbal confirmation from staff that we were here for the show.