As we transition into the new year, we are also turning the calendar onto a great slew of upcoming concerts in Minneapolis and St. Paul throughout the spring semester. As usual, the Twin Cities is a great area to live in if you are a fan of live music, as we yet again compile some of the most exciting upcoming concerts from February to May. From big-time legacy acts to exciting local bands, there is a lot to look forward to this spring.
February
For the shortest month of the year, there is an eclectic mix of legacy acts, Grammy award winners and indie rock darlings. Among the more notable appearances are that of Madonna, who is in the midst of her acclaimed “Celebration” tour, as well as Jon Batiste, who won album of the year at the Grammy’s in 2022 and is up for the award again this year.
Madonna @ Xcel Energy Center – Tuesday, Feb. 13
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin @ Xcel Energy Center – Friday, Feb. 16
Squid @ Fine Line – Monday, Feb. 19
Jon Batiste @ First Avenue – Thursday, Feb. 22
Silversun Pickups @ First Avenue – Sunday, Feb. 25
March
March has even more to offer. Whether it be some of the biggest names in the music industry, local rock bands or eccentric rappers, there are lots of options for concerts this month. Olivia Rodrigo is bringing the “Guts” world tour to St. Paul and Bad Bunny is returning to Minnesota for his first performance in the state in over five years. For the hip-hop heads, the hilarious king of scam rap, BabyTron, is returning to Minneapolis for a show at First Avenue and the trailblazing rapper Danny Brown is coming to the Varsity Theater on March 22. In addition to these national touring acts are some notable shows with entire bills of local bands, including a show at the Hook and Ladder theater headlined by Magic Castles to kick off the month.
Magic Castles, Muun Bato & Floodwater Angel @ The Hook and Ladder Theater – Friday, Mar. 1
Cat Power @ The Fitzgerald Theater – Friday, Mar. 1
Otoboke Beaver @ First Avenue – Thursday, Mar. 7
Babytron @ First Avenue – Tuesday, Mar. 12
Olivia Rodrigo @ Xcel Energy Center – Friday, Mar. 15
Arlo Parks @ First Avenue – Friday, Mar. 15
Danny Brown @ Varsity Theater – Friday, Mar. 22
Sleater-Kinney @ Palace Theatre – Saturday, Mar. 23
Bad Bunny @ Target Center – Saturday, Mar. 23
Early Eyes, Kate Malanaphy, Huhroon & Anita Velveeta @ Fine Line – Friday, Mar. 29
April
April is a particularly good month for shows at Dinkytown’s Varsity Theater, as punk rock singer-songwriter Jeff Rosenstock, Australian pop duo The Veronicas and cult classic indie rock group Panchiko are each headlining shows at the venue throughout the month. Target Center will also be getting a couple of major shows with Fall Out Boy performing there early in the month and Nicki Minaj coming in late April. This month we also will see some successful Minnesota bands playing hometown shows, including Semisonic at the Palace Theatre and Remo Drive at the Fine Line.
Action Bronson @ Palace Theatre – Friday, April 5
Fall Out Boy @ Target Center – Saturday, Apr. 6
Sampha @ First Avenue – Saturday, Apr. 6
Semisonic @ Palace Theatre – Saturday, Apr. 6
Jeff Rosenstock @ Varsity Theater – Tuesday, Apr. 9
The Veronicas @ Varsity Theater – Friday, Apr. 12
Remo Drive @ Fine Line – Sunday, Apr. 14
Ethan Bortnick @ 7th Street Entry – Saturday, Apr. 20
Sum 41 @ Armory – Tuesday, Apr. 23
Panchiko @ Varsity Theater – Thursday, Apr. 25
Nicki Minaj @ Target Center – Saturday, Apr. 27
May
As the spring semester comes to a close in May, there are still a good variety of acts to catch in the area. Metal legends Judas Priest, who have been around for over 50 years, return to the Armory on May 2. First Avenue’s mainroom also has several notable shows, including local blues singer-songwriter Charlie Parr, acclaimed Scottish chamber pop group Belle and Sebastian and rising rapper/singer Teezo Touchdown.
Judas Priest @ Armory – Thursday, May 2
Charlie Parr @ First Avenue – Friday, May 3
Mannequin Pussy @ Fine Line – Tuesday, May 7