The Alarmists are an indie pop band formed in the fall of 2004 in Minneapolis that incorporate elements of britpop and indie rock in their music. The Alarmists released their first album, A Detail of Soldiers, in early 2006. The album gained critical favor, getting positive reviews from local newspapers, and even earning a spot on The Onion A.V. Club’s ‘Best Local Music of 2006’ list. The band have since released follow-up albums The Ghost and the Hired Gun in 2007 and The Overhead Left in 2009.

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The Magnolias, a tried and true name in American hard rock, earned this status via loud, brash shows on expansive tours of the U.S. in the 1980s and 90s. Fronted by singer/guitarist, songwriter and co-founding member John Freeman, the band solidified its reputation as one of Minneapolis' most formidable musical acts by delivering from-the-gut, yet melodic, hook-laden tunes across five albums for the Twin/Tone and Alias record labels. The group disbanded for a time at least in 1997 only to reform again in 2000. The Magnolias' inaugural European swing in 2008 coincided with the band's release of a compilation of out-takes, demos, live songs and other gems entitled Better Late Than Never. This collection, on the SMA label, remains available on The Magnolias' official website, as well as at CD Baby. The Magnolias returned to tour Europe again in the Spring of 2009.

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Freeman, the only member to fly The Magnolias flag non-stop since the group's inception in 1984, spearheaded the band's revival. The Magnolias' current lineup includes re-recruited lead guitarist MikeLeonard, who had been in the group from 1993-95, drummer Pat Mckenna who played with Freeman in The Pushbacks (1997-2000). The band is complete with the rediscovery of bass talent Kyle Killorin, whose service to The Magnolias dates to 1987. The Magnolias' high-energy American punk is consistently compared favorably to the band's influences, including The Clash, The Only Ones, The Undertones, The Real Kids and Buzzcocks. The Magnolias fans, new and old, will witness intense performances by these reunited and rejuvenated musicians who, like their hometown friends The Replacements and Suicide Commandos, play stripped-down rock 'n' roll tight, fast, hard and loud, the way it was meant to be. [Steve Sharp]

Born at the exact moment the age of Aquarius dawned, the enigma known as Curtiss A began his not-yet ended trip to nowhere. Named after a 20th century Minneapolis downtown landmark , the Curtis Hotel, Curt’s just glad his Dad wasn’t facing south or he’d be Lemington A. His Mama was a Lewis so he always felt an affinity to “Uncle” Jerry. Curt hints at the possible assignation with Carl Perkins when she waitressed at the Flame. He’s also fond of that old chestnut about Dave Dudley drying out in the basement in the Moorhead before he could tour behind “Six Days”. “I was fascinated by Little Richard and Bo Diddley and all the other giants of my wonder years.”

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Curt’s first band was the FIENDISH THINGIES (after a George Harrison “Help” quote) in Oklahoma City 1966. “First Gig, first joint, first UFO all in one night”. The first band that meant anything to anyone was WIRE. Formed in 1969, they lasted through numerous personnel changes until 1973. The boys took a year off and reformed as THUMBS UP (Gary Rue’s idea) and once again lasted about three years, with numerous permutations, one of which was christened SPOOKS. The band collided with the new wave and became the springboard for the entertainment machine known as CURTISS A. Slim Dunlap and Frank Berry provided the sturdy skeletons. Slim became the replacement Replacement and Frank recorded “She Got Sex” with the PISTONS.

Mark Goldstein had been in SKOGIE and the FLAMING PACHUCOS with Rick Moore (the provider of Demi’s surname), but returned to the Midwest after a bad experience on the coast. He enlisted the SUICIDE COMMANDOES and Curt (As Buzz Barker) to record the “underground hit” “Land of the Free” *. “I Don’t Wanna Be President” continued in the political rant vein. Three LPs were recorded for Twin Tone during the 80s, the highlight of which was the last, A Scarlet Letter, produced by “Big” Al Anderson (while he was in NRBQ). The next LP was to have been produced by Peter Holsapple and the dBs, but life got in the way. “We did two small East coast jaunts together. Really a good memory”. Peter became quite busy as R.E.M.’s utility player. Family tragedy caused Curt to retire for a year until Bongo coaxed him out of his self-imposed exile.

Since then, he’s done the Lennon Tribute annually and several iconic Elvis shows represented by live CDs. Two hard to find, out-of-print CDs also exist, legendary Over at Slims and Make it Big (recorded at the late Gary Snow’s Cathouse Studio R.I.P.). Currently performing in town.

*Solidarity used it at their rallies. Kudos to Lech.

The Melismatics formed at the turn of the century in the fertile ground of the Minneapolis indie-rock scene. Their debut album Postmodern Rock quickly caught the attention of college radio stations around the country and garnered favorable reviews from critics around the world. Shortly thereafter, Minneapolis indie-rock king pin Ed Ackerson (Polara, The Jayhawks, Limbeck, Sing It Loud) signed the band to Susstones Records and produced their next two albums New Infection and Turn It On.

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The Melismatics toured the country numerous times over and continued to win loyal fans with their high-energy and unpredictable live shows. After releasing three albums, having their music featured on MTV's "Laguna Beach," NBC's "Windfall," and numerous extreme sports videos, The Melismatics released their latest effort The Acid Test on CC Entertainment/Koch. Renowned producer John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Rooney, The Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Clay Aiken, etc) caught the band performing at 2007 SXSW in Austin, Texas and signed on to produce the album. The Acid Test takes The Melismatics in a stunning new musical direction and features the co-lead vocals of Ryan Smith and Pony. The new album also highlights the rock-solid bass work of Mark Wade and inventive drumming of Ron Caron. The Melismatics have found a sound all their own that is familiar yet unique, euphoric and adventurous. As students of rock history, they have taken the best elements of the past and mixed them with their own modern vision; They fuse such influences as New Order, The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Kinks, Big Star, David Bowie, The Cars, and many others. The Melismatics' sound is constantly evolving and developing-- as The Onion put it, "no one ever accused The Melismatics of being predictable."