http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

There are a lot of acts putting on weird, spectacular (as in spectacle-based) live shows these days. The big thing that separated last night's great double-header by Georgia cohorts Janelle Monae and Of Montreal at First Avenue from, say, Chromeo or Demau5, was the high quality of the music on top of the show. Take away all the dancers and costumes and, um, fornicating pigs, and it still would have been a mind-blowing concert.

Monae's opening set was actually less weird and wild than her performance at the Varsity Theater in March, when she played her new concept album straight through and only drew about 250 people. Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!). This time, though, the crowd wasn't just bowled over by Monae's big voice and big-hair, high energy charisma, they also knew her songs, so "Cold War" and the shoulda-been-mass-hit "Tightrope" really lit up the room near the end of the set. Fans also predictably went crazy when Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes came out and joined Monae's band for her poppy dance track "Make the Bus."

Barnes' large crew once again offered up the kind of grandiose stage show that justified the add-on enlargement of the First Ave stage out into the dancefloor (which cut the club's capacity by about 500 tickets). The carnival of sorts opened with two costumed, caped avengers in giant gas masks pulling out rifles and gunning down pajama-wearing alien children. Oh fun! Barnes came out wearing a turquoise blouse, matching eyeliner, white "Like a Virgin" lace skirt and hose. After a few songs, though, the dancers and all the crazed visual stunts took the backseat to the music (even including the pig-mask orgy) as the eight-piece band worked into an impressively tight, throbbing groove in songs such as "She's a Rejecter" and "For Our Enchanted Castle," part P-Funk, Queen, Abba and Prince & the Revolution.

Many of the tracks from the group's quirky new album, "False Priest," came to life better on stage than they sound on record, including the giddy funked-up gem "Girl Named Hello," the Monae-accompanied "Enemy Gene" and the absolutely demented Prince knock-off "Our Riotous Defect," in which Barnes sang of sleeping with a girlfriend's cousin "just to feel closer to you." The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

[Edited 9/24/10 11:05am]

[Edited 9/24/10 11:07am]

thanks for posting!! i had a feeling he'd be there...

Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!).

too funny...

Wow that sounds like it was an awesome show,thanks 4 sharing can't wat till she comes east i will b there!

I knew he'd show up. Had I not had a performance tonight, I'd've gone to Minneapolis this week.

what a FOOL leaving before of Montreal performed...

Turns out she went Paisley after to jam...

http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/09/24/janelle-monae-jams-with-prince/

Freekclaassen said:

what a FOOL leaving before of Montreal performed...

I am going to see Of Montreal at the Warfield in SF on Oct. 29. I am sad to say that I do not think Janelle is going to be opening.

P2daP said:

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

There are a lot of acts putting on weird, spectacular (as in spectacle-based) live shows these days. The big thing that separated last night's great double-header by Georgia cohorts Janelle Monae and Of Montreal at First Avenue from, say, Chromeo or Demau5, was the high quality of the music on top of the show. Take away all the dancers and costumes and, um, fornicating pigs, and it still would have been a mind-blowing concert.

Monae's opening set was actually less weird and wild than her performance at the Varsity Theater in March, when she played her new concept album straight through and only drew about 250 people. Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!). This time, though, the crowd wasn't just bowled over by Monae's big voice and big-hair, high energy charisma, they also knew her songs, so "Cold War" and the shoulda-been-mass-hit "Tightrope" really lit up the room near the end of the set. Fans also predictably went crazy when Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes came out and joined Monae's band for her poppy dance track "Make the Bus."

Barnes' large crew once again offered up the kind of grandiose stage show that justified the add-on enlargement of the First Ave stage out into the dancefloor (which cut the club's capacity by about 500 tickets). The carnival of sorts opened with two costumed, caped avengers in giant gas masks pulling out rifles and gunning down pajama-wearing alien children. Oh fun! Barnes came out wearing a turquoise blouse, matching eyeliner, white "Like a Virgin" lace skirt and hose. After a few songs, though, the dancers and all the crazed visual stunts took the backseat to the music (even including the pig-mask orgy) as the eight-piece band worked into an impressively tight, throbbing groove in songs such as "She's a Rejecter" and "For Our Enchanted Castle," part P-Funk, Queen, Abba and Prince & the Revolution.

Many of the tracks from the group's quirky new album, "False Priest," came to life better on stage than they sound on record, including the giddy funked-up gem "Girl Named Hello," the Monae-accompanied "Enemy Gene" and the absolutely demented Prince knock-off "Our Riotous Defect," in which Barnes sang of sleeping with a girlfriend's cousin "just to feel closer to you." The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

I went last nite specifically to see Janelle Monae I knew nothing of, Of Montreal. Between the two acts, there were some sensational musicians on stage Yet I found myself analyzing the performance of Of Montreal more than I was getting into their music. Many times throughout their show I actually felt uncomfortable. Most of the music was hopping and the crowd was going wild. But considering the whole array of events, it comes as no surprise to me, that Prince left prior to their appearance.

I didn't know Prince was there at all but secretly hoped he'd appear last nite or announce a party or something. When Janelle came out for the encore with Of Montral, the whole place rocked, the floor shook. At that point I was happy just seeing one of Princes' ~ 'associated artists' ~ that could bring the FUNK to town, and WOW, imo, Prince sure knows how to pick them!

During the Of Montreal part of the show tho, it felt to me like they were enacting some kind of a 'futuristist idea' of what a' prior Prince' had been. Certain things felt Prince motivated and related....sounds, songs and maybe even some early risky moves of his. And the costumes and antics reminded me of a sort of X-rated CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.

My preference is always 'real music by real musicians,' not sensational fluff, alot of which didn't sit well with me. But everyone has the right to enjoy what they like and those there loved it. And in a way they also seemed to appreciate things that imo seemed to be coming from vintage Prince shows that many artists have tried to replicate.

If I ever have the chance to see Janelle again, I'll be on time. Janelle honestly knows how to bring her own funky sound, style and groove to the stage

Better late than never, I lucked out by being able to see the best parts of Janelle's concert afterall.

WetDream said:

Turns out she went Paisley after to jam...

http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/09/24/janelle-monae-jams-with-prince/

I was thinking of taking a drive by there after the show, but with no invite, no go. Glad they got together for a good jam afterwards anyway

colorblu said:

P2daP said:

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

But considering the whole array of events, it comes as no surprise to me, that Prince left prior to their appearance.

Or I could have it wrong again, Prince probably wanted to head out to Paisley to set up the jam with Janelle

P2daP said:

"The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

maybe he'll stay for the encore when he knows she'll play a prince medley instead lol

colorblu said:

colorblu said:

Or I could have it wrong again, Prince probably wanted to head out to Paisley to set up the jam with Janelle

... according to doc funkenberry, she did

From:www.drfunkenberry.com

Janelle Monae Jams With PRINCE!

So Janelle Monae was in Minneapolis, MN last night at First Avenue and some purple spies tell us PRINCE was in attendance with his full band.

Janelle had to Tweet before the show about First Avenue knowing it was where Purple Rain, the greatest rock n roll movie ever made, was filmed.

We heard after Janelle funkdafied First Ave, she headed back to Paisley Park, Prince’s recording studios in Minneapolis for those who don’t know, and jammed with Prince and his 8(?) piece band for a couple of hours with her and her band.

Why oh why couldn’t have someone filmed that? All that funk in one place? We might have passed out from the overload of true artists creating.

Something special happened with Janelle as she had to tweet this:

"Finally learning something that I have been trying to learn for a while! Yes!!!!"

We also hear that PRINCE and the band checked out Esperanza Spaulding at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minnesota earlier in the week as well.

Janelle and Esperanza are GREAT musicians in their own right. Make sure to check them out if you haven’t already.

With PRINCE set to tour Northern Europe next month, we wonder what other purple surprised we can expect soon? One can hope, right?-Dr.FB

[Edited 9/24/10 21:32pm]

I saw Monae open for Badu in Memphis June 10. She was sick live.

Kevin went to Paisley Park too, and K ate his burrito

ZombieKitten said:

Kevin went to Paisley Park too, and K ate his burrito

at first i thought you typed burro

XxAxX said:

ZombieKitten said:

Kevin went to Paisley Park too, and K ate his burrito

at first i thought you typed burro

no, a LITTLE burro

SomewhereHereOnEarth said:

thanks for posting!! i had a feeling he'd be there...

Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!).

too funny...

That made me laugh too.

colorblu said:

At that point I was happy just seeing one of Princes' ~ 'associated artists' ~ that could bring the FUNK to town, and WOW, imo, Prince sure knows how to pick them!

She's not an 'associated artist', i hope she steers well clear of his tired old production. She's a breath of fresh air on the scene. Prince is bad breath, the kiss of death.

Jam all she likes with him, but don't let him produce anything at all costs.

P2daP said:

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

There are a lot of acts putting on weird, spectacular (as in spectacle-based) live shows these days. The big thing that separated last night's great double-header by Georgia cohorts Janelle Monae and Of Montreal at First Avenue from, say, Chromeo or Demau5, was the high quality of the music on top of the show. Take away all the dancers and costumes and, um, fornicating pigs, and it still would have been a mind-blowing concert.

Monae's opening set was actually less weird and wild than her performance at the Varsity Theater in March, when she played her new concept album straight through and only drew about 250 people. Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!). This time, though, the crowd wasn't just bowled over by Monae's big voice and big-hair, high energy charisma, they also knew her songs, so "Cold War" and the shoulda-been-mass-hit "Tightrope" really lit up the room near the end of the set. Fans also predictably went crazy when Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes came out and joined Monae's band for her poppy dance track "Make the Bus."

Barnes' large crew once again offered up the kind of grandiose stage show that justified the add-on enlargement of the First Ave stage out into the dancefloor (which cut the club's capacity by about 500 tickets). The carnival of sorts opened with two costumed, caped avengers in giant gas masks pulling out rifles and gunning down pajama-wearing alien children. Oh fun! Barnes came out wearing a turquoise blouse, matching eyeliner, white "Like a Virgin" lace skirt and hose. After a few songs, though, the dancers and all the crazed visual stunts took the backseat to the music (even including the pig-mask orgy) as the eight-piece band worked into an impressively tight, throbbing groove in songs such as "She's a Rejecter" and "For Our Enchanted Castle," part P-Funk, Queen, Abba and Prince & the Revolution.

Many of the tracks from the group's quirky new album, "False Priest," came to life better on stage than they sound on record, including the giddy funked-up gem "Girl Named Hello," the Monae-accompanied "Enemy Gene" and the absolutely demented Prince knock-off "Our Riotous Defect," in which Barnes sang of sleeping with a girlfriend's cousin "just to feel closer to you." The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

[Edited 9/24/10 11:05am]

[Edited 9/24/10 11:07am]

She must be on a tight budget or really like that outfit because thats the same thing she had on during Prince's Tribute this year at the BET Awards.

Astasheiks said:

P2daP said:

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

There are a lot of acts putting on weird, spectacular (as in spectacle-based) live shows these days. The big thing that separated last night's great double-header by Georgia cohorts Janelle Monae and Of Montreal at First Avenue from, say, Chromeo or Demau5, was the high quality of the music on top of the show. Take away all the dancers and costumes and, um, fornicating pigs, and it still would have been a mind-blowing concert.

Monae's opening set was actually less weird and wild than her performance at the Varsity Theater in March, when she played her new concept album straight through and only drew about 250 people. Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!). This time, though, the crowd wasn't just bowled over by Monae's big voice and big-hair, high energy charisma, they also knew her songs, so "Cold War" and the shoulda-been-mass-hit "Tightrope" really lit up the room near the end of the set. Fans also predictably went crazy when Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes came out and joined Monae's band for her poppy dance track "Make the Bus."

Barnes' large crew once again offered up the kind of grandiose stage show that justified the add-on enlargement of the First Ave stage out into the dancefloor (which cut the club's capacity by about 500 tickets). The carnival of sorts opened with two costumed, caped avengers in giant gas masks pulling out rifles and gunning down pajama-wearing alien children. Oh fun! Barnes came out wearing a turquoise blouse, matching eyeliner, white "Like a Virgin" lace skirt and hose. After a few songs, though, the dancers and all the crazed visual stunts took the backseat to the music (even including the pig-mask orgy) as the eight-piece band worked into an impressively tight, throbbing groove in songs such as "She's a Rejecter" and "For Our Enchanted Castle," part P-Funk, Queen, Abba and Prince & the Revolution.

Many of the tracks from the group's quirky new album, "False Priest," came to life better on stage than they sound on record, including the giddy funked-up gem "Girl Named Hello," the Monae-accompanied "Enemy Gene" and the absolutely demented Prince knock-off "Our Riotous Defect," in which Barnes sang of sleeping with a girlfriend's cousin "just to feel closer to you." The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

[Edited 9/24/10 11:05am]

[Edited 9/24/10 11:07am]

She must be on a tight budget or really like that outfit because thats the same thing she had on during Prince's Tribute this year at the BET Awards.

Prince wore the same shirt all summer long!

Marrk said:

colorblu said:

At that point I was happy just seeing one of Princes' ~ 'associated artists' ~ that could bring the FUNK to town, and WOW, imo, Prince sure knows how to pick them!

She's not an 'associated artist', i hope she steers well clear of his tired old production. She's a breath of fresh air on the scene. Prince is bad breath, the kiss of death.

Jam all she likes with him, but don't let him produce anything at all costs.

"Prince is bad breath, the kiss of death."

Sounds like you are describing yourself instead of Prince!!!

Astasheiks said:

Marrk said:

She's not an 'associated artist', i hope she steers well clear of his tired old production. She's a breath of fresh air on the scene. Prince is bad breath, the kiss of death.

Jam all she likes with him, but don't let him produce anything at all costs.

"Prince is bad breath, the kiss of death."

Sounds like you are describing yourself instead of Prince!!!

Yeah bad idea to record with one of the greatest talents of the last 30 years....

While your at it release all your music online for free and don't charge anyone to come to your concerts....

oh and get a recording contract with WB or Sony for 30 years and make sure they own the rights to your music and lyrics ....

Any other young artist out there need advice come to the Prince.org we're experts at music careers...

Astasheiks said:

P2daP said:

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/103724949.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Monae, Of Montreal get it on at First Ave

Posted by Chris Riemenschneider

Last update: September 24, 2010 - 12:28 PM

Janelle Monae and Of Montreal singer Kevin Barnes teaming up for "Make the Bus." / Photos by Tony Nelson

There are a lot of acts putting on weird, spectacular (as in spectacle-based) live shows these days. The big thing that separated last night's great double-header by Georgia cohorts Janelle Monae and Of Montreal at First Avenue from, say, Chromeo or Demau5, was the high quality of the music on top of the show. Take away all the dancers and costumes and, um, fornicating pigs, and it still would have been a mind-blowing concert.

Monae's opening set was actually less weird and wild than her performance at the Varsity Theater in March, when she played her new concept album straight through and only drew about 250 people. Prince was in attendance at that one, and he was there again last night, watching from the owner's box/DJ booth with what looked like his entire band (how about next time you show up at First Ave with your players, oh Purple Yoda, you put them to use?!). This time, though, the crowd wasn't just bowled over by Monae's big voice and big-hair, high energy charisma, they also knew her songs, so "Cold War" and the shoulda-been-mass-hit "Tightrope" really lit up the room near the end of the set. Fans also predictably went crazy when Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes came out and joined Monae's band for her poppy dance track "Make the Bus."

Barnes' large crew once again offered up the kind of grandiose stage show that justified the add-on enlargement of the First Ave stage out into the dancefloor (which cut the club's capacity by about 500 tickets). The carnival of sorts opened with two costumed, caped avengers in giant gas masks pulling out rifles and gunning down pajama-wearing alien children. Oh fun! Barnes came out wearing a turquoise blouse, matching eyeliner, white "Like a Virgin" lace skirt and hose. After a few songs, though, the dancers and all the crazed visual stunts took the backseat to the music (even including the pig-mask orgy) as the eight-piece band worked into an impressively tight, throbbing groove in songs such as "She's a Rejecter" and "For Our Enchanted Castle," part P-Funk, Queen, Abba and Prince & the Revolution.

Many of the tracks from the group's quirky new album, "False Priest," came to life better on stage than they sound on record, including the giddy funked-up gem "Girl Named Hello," the Monae-accompanied "Enemy Gene" and the absolutely demented Prince knock-off "Our Riotous Defect," in which Barnes sang of sleeping with a girlfriend's cousin "just to feel closer to you." The highlight of the set -- and entire show, I'd say -- was the just plain joyful encore. Monae and her bandmates came back out and helped ignite a straight-up, non-gimmicky, all-Michael-Jackson jam featuring "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Something" and my personal MJ fave, "P.Y.T." Too bad Prince had left after Monae's set, because I bet even he couldn't have resisted jumping on stage for that one.

[Edited 9/24/10 11:05am]

[Edited 9/24/10 11:07am]

She must be on a tight budget or really like that outfit because thats the same thing she had on during Prince's Tribute this year at the BET Awards.

I doubt it. She wears the uniform look, in representation of service workers. She's stated that before in plenty of interviews, you just have to find those interviews to read about it.

[Edited 9/26/10 8:03am]