Cloud Cult at First Avenue - June 29, 2007
Source: morecowbell.net
Cloud Cult made a stop in Minneapolis on Friday night, after their long journey into Chicago and Madison this past week. It was a welcome night at home for the band after their van broke down on the Chicago freeway during rush hour Wednesday afternoon. The band was stranded for over two hours, and lead singer-songwriter Craig Minowa was actually pooped on by a passing bird. Not a great start to this brief Midwest jaunt. Fortunately, things picked up in Madison with what I hear was a wonderful outdoor show, and so the band was upbeat and ready to go for Friday’s show in the First Avenue mainroom.
Opening for Cloud Cult was hometown hero Charlie Parr, the band Redstar, and Stars of Track and Field. They also had a guest painter for this show, who created his art from a landing on the stairs just to the right of the main stage. As always, Cloud Cult’s show is quite the spectacle, with both live music and painting occurring simultaneously. Connie Minowa and Scott West broke out the acrylics and gave the audience something additional to ooo and ahh over during the 90 minute set. The creation of the paintings is so interesting and inspiring to watch as the artists move in time to the live music taking place right next to them.
Cloud Cult mixed it up with selections from their newest release “The Meaning of 8,” as well as fan favorites from “Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus” and other past albums. The crowd sang along to every track, cheering hardily for their favorites. The room was packed and hard to move through as more and more people seemed to appear from nowhere for this grand display of artistry. “Please Remain Calm” from the newest album garnered cheers all around and I definitely pounded out the beat with my hands and feet as the song went on.
Overall it was a highly entertaining set, with cello sounds making me swoon, amazement at watching art created right in front of my eyes, and the manly power trio of bassist Matt Freed, drummer Dan Greenwood and Craig Minowa, busting out the rock all over the place. The crowd was excited and fun, and the band was gracious and upbeat, bringing a glowing ending to yet another great show.
Cloud Cult is taking a break, and their next shows will take place in Portland/Seattle in August. There is a national tour planned as well, but details are not yet available.
