Category: Music

Review: Waitress @ The Washington Pavilion

Some people were born loving musical theater, some have had musical theater thrust upon them. Yeah, I’m the latter category, but I’m glad that I’m catching on. Having a dramatic kid in the house helps get guys like me out of their snobby shells!

Last Tuesday the troupe touring Waitress brought the show to the Washington Pavilion, playing to a sold-out-ish crowd. Waitress was a little film about a small town gal who bakes her feelings into award-winning pies at a small town diner. Sara Bareilles — she who won’t write you a love song — adapted the film into a musical back in 2015 and it’s had a great run.

Fantastic cast on this one, with Ms. Bailey McCall taking the lead role. Her voice alone could carry the show – really exceptional, earning a double round of applause on the big number “She Used To Be Mine.” Also: Live band. Canned music always sounds a little off at these things, a little overdone, a little out of step with what’s happening on stage. These guys nailed it.

The Pavilion’s been bringing more show like this to town, and you ought to give them a chance. Looking to get your feet wet? Next season they’ve got the Jimmy Buffett musical “Escape to Margaritaville” on the bill. How ’bout that for a gateway drug?

Show Preview! Tanya Tucker @ The District

Country royalty swings through Sioux Falls this Thursday night! She’s done it all, sung with everyone, even recorded an album with Jack White a few years back.

It’s a sit down show, some come prepared to shut up and listen! Y’all just might learn something.

From the country queen’s official bio:

Born in Seminole, Texas, Tanya had her first country hit, the classic “Delta Dawn,” at the age of 13 in 1972. Since that auspicious beginning Tucker has become one of the most admired and influential artists in country music history, amassing 23 Top 40 albums and a stellar string of 56 Top 40 singles, ten of which reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country charts. Tucker’s indelible songs include some of country music’s biggest hits such as the aforementioned “Delta Dawn,” “Soon,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Trouble,” “Texas (When I Die),” “If It Don’t Come Easy” and “Strong Enough To Bend.” Tucker is also the recipient of numerous awards, including two CMAs, two ACMs and three CMT awards. Recently, Tucker received four GRAMMY® Award nominations including Song Of The Year: “Bring My Flowers Now,” Best Country Album: While I’m Livin’, Best Country Solo Performance: “Bring My Flowers Now,” and Best Country Song: “Bring My Flowers Now.” The four nominations lead all 2020 Country GRAMMY® nominees.

Show Preview: Mason Jennings @ ICON

Minnesota boy done good, Mason Jennings is strumming up some sensitive singer-songwriter rock tonight at the Icon. Opening is local vet Rich Snow, a guy worth checking out too, even without a national act following up.

New to Mason Jennings? Why not start with his latest Songs From When We Met, recorded in Wisconsin with the Bon Iver crew at the helm. He’s a fascinating guy, signed by Jack Johnson, provided the sound of Bob Dylan for Christian Bale’s version of Bob in the film I’m Not There.

Get out there and catch some tunes! Things get going at 7:00. $25 at the door.

The Denny’s Ready to Rock!

Sure, we love the local shows, but when the big names come to town everyone gets a little excited. So maybe you’re not a Garth Brooks fan? Still, admit it: You were a little proud of our town for hosting last year’s ridiculous residency.

After a strong start (can you say Sir Paul?) and plenty of big-selling shows, the Premier Center’s calendar has looked a little slim the last few months. More than a few people were starting to worry that we didn’t have the draw to keep top-tier talent coming back. But that changed this week. Take a look!

Feb 20th : Korn & Breaking Benjamin
Apr 15th : Zac Brown Band
Apr 26th: Reba McEntire
May 1st: Brantley Gilbert
May 9th: Rage Against The Machine
May 16th: Lauren Daigle
June 9th: Journey
June 27th: Little Big Town
Aug 4th: Backstreet Boys
Aug 20th: Chris Stapleton
Sep 5th: Matchbox Twenty (20?)
Nov 3rd: Megadeth & Lamb Of God

There’s something there for everyone. Want to keep the shows coming? You gotta convince the bookers that Sioux Falls, SD is worth a stop on the road. How do you do that?

Easy! To quote the Argus Leader’s Joe Sneve “So, for our city’s sake, buy the damn tickets.”