Girl at the Rock Shows

I went to music college. I honestly don’t know if that was the right life choice but it was a choice I made and I truly treasure my time spent there and all of the friends I made there. Unfortunately, very few of the kids I went to school with actually doing music full time so when one of the few who “made it” reached out about covering her album release concert on Thursday night, I knew I had to be there not only to support her but also to celebrate her. It felt a bit weird, walking into a friend’s show knowing that I would have to write about it and critique her but I also know that that’s why she wanted me there. She wanted to know my thoughts on it and knew that, friends or not, I wasn’t going to hold back. So, Elyse, you asked for it. Here’s the truth about your show on Thursday night.

Allie McIntosh got the show started. I was shocked when she announced that she was only sixteen years old. Although she seemed nervous as all of the eyes in The Icehouse were on her during her performance, her talent shined brighter than I can put into words. Her voice is both smoky and sultry giving an almost somber jazzy vibe to some of the tracks but there were also moments where she was hitting stunningly high notes. With dazzling lines of notes made to seem effortless, I found myself completely lost in Allie’s world and there was no other place I would have rather been. Allie may be young and may have some confidence to gain but I truly expect huge things for this amazing songstress and I can not wait to see her grow the way I expect her to.

Following Allie’s stunning set was an equally stunning set from Ashley DuBose. Ashley’s name is one that has come across my desk multiple times but, for some reason, I have just never been able to catch her perform. That changed on Thursday night and I don’t think I’m being that dramatic when I say that it changed my life. From her overall stage presence to that of her band all topped with her absolutely amazing vocals, Ashley’s set was nothing short of a party full of positive vibes and infectious beats. From afro-beats to an almost Caribbean flavor with a ska twist, all the way to just straight-up poppy vibes mixed with stunning and powerful vocals, Ashley’s set was all over the place while being perfectly Ashley DuBose. Although all eyes were on her throughout the set, I would be remiss to not mention the band behind her. They allowed her to take the spotlight but refused to be ignored at the same time creating a larger-than-life sound and feeling in the intimate venue.

Oh, Elyse Jones. Where do I start with this woman? Elyse is the woman I went to college with. I remember working at Erbert & Gerbert’s with her to help get us through college. We spent many a drunken night together and she even helped name one of my cats (Autumn’s middle name is Fallulah and that is 100% Elyse’s doing). We were young then and had no clue what in the heck we were doing but I think I knew back then that she was going to be one of the ones to “make it” and I was so right (I love it when I’m right). Thursday night’s show was amazing through and through but, when it comes down to it, was a celebration for Elyse and the release of her new album ‘Canvas’ (which will be available to the public in early 2023).

Elyse’s music, much like that of Ashley DuBose, is a bit all over the place in all of the best ways. It’s infectious and although I was sitting at a barstool with my friends by my side, there were many times throughout the set where I just couldn’t sit any longer and had to stand up if only to feel the beat through my feet in the same way it was seeping into my soul. Elyse has been splitting her time between the Twin Cities and New Orleans which comes through in her music. There’s a very anthemic horn-heavy feeling to the majority of her songs that definitely feels manifested from her time spent down south but her lyrics are very social justice heavy which I definitely think is an element that comes from her time spent up here in the Twin Cities. That blend of two styles and two personalities comes together to form a perfect union that is just, well, perfect.

Much like Ashley’s set, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Elyse’s band. All eleven members of the group were performing their hearts out just adding to the party-like atmosphere. I really can not stress to you how tight this group was. Reining twelve musicians in sounds like a logistical nightmare and having them perform all in time and with gusto, well, I would have just given up but every member of the enormous band was clearly honored to be there and were definitely having the time of their lives as they entertained the audience.

Last night was a celebration for everyone involved. Whether you were celebrating gracing the stage as part of a stunning line-up, celebrating the amazing local music we have in the Twin Cities, celebrating the release of ‘Canvas’ or just celebrating life, it was a celebration. Personally, I was celebrating all of the above and that’s whatever concert you go to should feel like– a celebration.

A huge congrats to everyone who took the Icehouse stage on Thursday night but a special congrats to Miss Elyse Jones. Elyse- you are an amazing musician and I am so honored to call you my friend. Cheers to you!

Line Up:

Allie McIntosh

Ashley DuBose

Elyse Jones

Venue: The Icehouse

Smell-O-Meter: Nothing

Average Age of the Crowd: 32

Crowd Surfers- None

Mosh-ability- 2 out of 10

Sausage-Fest Meter- 4 out of 10

Amount of Beer Spilled On Me While Walking Around- $0

Broken Bones- None

Spotted Flying Through The Air- Nothing

Fights- None

Pukers- 0

Randomly Shirtless Men – 0

Passed Out Kids- 0

Idiots Taken Out By Security – 0

How Many Times I’ve Seen These Bands Before (or at least how many times I can remember)-

Allie McIntosh – 0

Ashley DuBose – 0

Elyse Jones – I mean, are we counting all of those shows decades ago when we were in college together?

Celebrity Sightings – None

Overall Score- 8 out of 10

Show on Deck- Enter Shikari / Trash Boat / AViVA

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