Girl at the Rock Shows

Community is something being preached by everyone right now, but how many of those people are practicing what they are preaching? There’s one house in the Twin Cities that, in particular, is putting its money where its mouth is. Music at the Villa’s season opened on Sunday night. It wasn’t just the season opener, it was the yard opener, the house opener, the beginning of what is sure to be a summer of beautiful music and fabulous sounds.

I’m not typically one for house shows. Truthfully, I feel like I aged out of them, and I just am not always the most comfortable at them after the tragedy that was the Nudieland shooting here in Minneapolis. It’s just not my vibe and, with so many amazing venues in town, not something I feel the need to force myself into. That being said, shows at “The Villa” are different. They are set in a cozy backyard in Minneapolis and are full of all kinds of people. It’s not just kids; in fact, on Sunday night’s show, the audience’s average age was pretty dang high. Maybe that was the line-up of the evening, but in my mind, I’d like to think it’s because of the space. It’s as warm and as inviting as the hosts, and that makes it feel like your own, personal backyard and house.

It’s not just the beautiful green space that acts as the general admission area for the shows that makes this a lovely place to see a show; it’s the food. One of the owners of this house is an absolutely fabulous chef. He is quick to lay out an amazing spread every time there’s a show here. On Sunday night, the food of choice was brisket and, let me tell you, it went fast. If brisket isn’t your thing, have no fear, there was everything from turkey dogs to vegan meatballs along with a giant slew of sides. Thirsty? Great! They had beer, bubbly water, plain water– seriously, anything you heart desired, it was here. These shows are not big money makers. Knowing the hosts, all of the money raised through donations and covers probably goes straight to the musicians, so why put their hard-earned cash into feeding a bunch of music-hungry people? Community. That’s why.

Are you sitting at one of these shows and you really have to go to the bathroom? Don’t look around for a porta-potty– you won’t find one. Instead, you’ll find a normal bathroom inside a normal house that is open for use. I know that sounds like a given, I mean, come on, you’re at a house show, but being someone who has spent their fair share of time at punk house shows, there’s something truly special about this. It doesn’t matter if you know the hosts or not; you are invited to use the facilities inside rather than have to run to a gas station down the road or, as has happened to me a few times before, find a tree to hide behind. Again, the owners of this super cute house didn’t have to unlock their doors and literally leave the door wide open for anyone, but they do. Why is that? Community. That’s why.

Sunday night’s event didn’t just feature good people and amazing food; it also featured some super talented humans. From jewelry to pottery and all the way to getting your tarot cards read, there was plenty to do and plenty to see between the two acts that were performing. Although there’s a spacious backyard here, space is limited and was quickly engulfed by camping and folding chairs for those who wanted to be up close and personal to the music. The house didn’t have to allow vendors. They could have opened that space up for even more people to sit, but they didn’t, and why is that? Say it with me now– community.

Okay, I’ve gushed enough about this house and how amazing events are here. Let’s get down to business and talk about the two amazing performers that we were all treated to.

First up was Abigail LaDuke. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge opera fan. I mean, I am. I love seeing theatrical operas and even went to opera camp when I was in high school, but the idea of seeing just a solo soprano opera singer perform has never been on my list–until Abigail. Abigail seemed delicate and soft as she took the microphone on Sunday night, but as soon as she opened her mouth, my jaw hit the floor. You may think you’ve heard a high yet flawless voice before, but you really haven’t until you’ve heard Abigail. The way her voice could shift to a tone that puts Mariah Carey to shame before falling back down into the most beautiful and smooth voice that comes complete with an insane amount of heart, all the while singing classical arias that, although may not be a standard for me, are surely standards for others, had me floored. I stood there in shock, camera in hand, but not moving that camera up to my eye. I didn’t want to miss this, I couldn’t miss this, and I couldn’t move. Abigail had put me under her spell and, although that spell only lasted for about six songs, it was as powerful as it was insane. I don’t think I’ll be making the jump to “Girl at the Opera Sessions” anytime soon, but what an eye opener to see that opera is still alive and well, and they are amazingly talented humans right here, in the Twin Cities, that are keeping it alive with a modern flair and a classic touch.

The only other act to grace the garage apron of The Villa on Sunday night was Sawtooth Witch. Typically a duo but in the form of a solo on Sunday, Sawtooth Witch is one of those acts that I just can not get enough of. Sure, I’m buddies with the human behind the act, but it’s more than that. The amount of talent that can be heard in this act is immeasurable. Whether you fall into the beautiful lyrics or get lost in the insane finger picking on the guitar and other unique sounds that happen throughout a Sawtooth Witch set, you will get lost in it and, subsequently, in the Sawtooth Witch world. Stylistically, I don’t even know how to begin to describe Sawtooth Witch’s sound. It’s indie and folksy, but it’s also grungy and gritty. It’s loud and powerful, but at the same time, it’s ridiculously soft and tender. I’ve covered Sawtooth multiple times now, but I still don’t think I will ever have the right words to describe the sound. Unfortunately, it started drizzling about halfway through Sawtooth Witch’s set, but that didn’t stop them and, other than a few people raising umbrellas, didn’t deter the crowd. Really, it added to the natural ambiance of the whole thing and just added to the beauty of the set.

The rain held off as long as it could, and people could feel it in the air. Instead of thanking the audience after the last two songs of their set. Sawtooth Witch powered through leaving the hosts just a few minutes for thanking people for coming out, reminding the fans to donate to the musicians and various other causes, and giving a few shout-outs (I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing my name come through a microphone– thank you for the shout-out, guys!) before the skies opened up and the rain started pouring down. The timing could not have been more perfect. It was as if Mother Nature herself knew how amazing this event was, and she held the rain back just so we could enjoy it.

This was just the start of a beautiful summer. I hope to see you at the Villa for one of the many shows they have planned this year.

Line Up:

Abigail LaDuke

Sawtooth Witch

Venue: The Villa

Smell-O-Meter: The amazing food

Average Age of the Crowd: 52

Crowd Surfers- 0

Stage Divers- 0

Mosh-ability- 0 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

Passed Out People- 0

Dogs in Attendance – 2 very good boys

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

Abigail Laduke – 0

Sawtooth Witch – 3

Show on Deck – Stella Cole

Shameless Self Promotion:

Join My Patreon Here!

Buy Me a Coffee (Seriously!)

Check out my playlist HERE!