the substars

The Eagles Club show a few weeks ago was a pretty good time–thanks to all who attended–but now it’s time for us to return to Minneapolis for a one-night homestand at the Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis. This is another DEMO showcase, this time with a pretty poptastic lineup that people who find us listenable would seem likely to enjoy. Check out the links below for a taste of what to expect, and do come grace us with your presence!

7:30PM doors ($5 suggested donation)
8:00PM Charles Nyberg
8:45PM Ruben
9:30PM Josh Von Mink
10:30P the substars
11:30PM Andre Borka (and band)

Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Phone: 612-874-8702

flyer

I know it’s been a long time since we rapped at ya, but we’re getting our show on Saturday, March 14 in St. Paul. DEMO showcases such as this have historically been pretty sweet due to the diverse nature that tends to characterize the typical bill, and this evening is no exception. Bob Frey does simple, melodic folk-pop reminiscient of Cat Stevens. His new CD, Like A Train, was recorded at Crazy Beast Studio in Northeast (which was also where The Traces’ did the Paint It Red EP, and his bio also states that’s he’s the brother of James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces. Thus, Frey would also be useful for connecting me to Kevin Bacon within six degrees should the need arise. Self-Sufficient Flying Machine does alt-folk on the old-timey tip, with banjos (!!!) and what not. Plasmastic Brain Spasm will ostensibly bring the funk.

So, yeah, it’s gonna be bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. But we ain’t no hollaback girls. Except Andy, anyway. And this is a new venture for DEMO, so it’d be really cool if you came and helped that most excellent organization get off to a good start in their partnership with a new venue.

7:30 doors
8:00 Bob Frey
9:00 Self-Sufficient Flying Machine
10:15 the substars
11:30 Plasmatic Brain Spasm

Eagles Club
287 Maria Street, St Paul, MN (I guess there is ample parking available)
$5 suggested donation

We are getting back down to business this Saturday, September 27 with a rousing rock show at the Terminal Bar in northeast Minneapolis. Bringing tha noize along with us will be Ryan K Sutter (formerly of Trumpet Marine) and Flink. We’ll play some new stuff. Ryan’s got a whole new thing going on. And Flink has been on my list of bands to play a show with sometime since I played with the The Traces and we’re finally doing it. Sometimes dreams do come true.

the substars w/ Flink and Ryan K Sutter
September 27, 2008 – 9 P.M.
Terminal Bar
409 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

9:00 Ryan K Sutter
10:00 the substars
11:00 Flink

Parking: there are metered spots all over that are enforced until 10. But I think 1st Ave NE behind the bar is not metered and people tell me there are usually free spaces.

Come or we will cry!

Though I’m dreadfully behind on updating this site, it probably would be good to share with all of you that we’re back in business after an almost-year-long hiatus and will be performing at the new Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis on Wednesday, June 18 2008 with some other excellent musicians who we really dig.

Continue Reading »

Andy and I will be playing an acoustic show at the Loring Pasta Bar Red Room’s Acoustic Tuesday. Doors at 6, us at 8:15. There’s a $5 cover that also entitles you to bring a friend (so $5/pair of people).

Loring Pasta Bar
327 14th Av. SE.
Minneapolis, MN 55414

6:00 – Art Vandalay
6:45 – Heidi Hansen
7:30 – A Touch Of Grace
8:15 – Ben & Andy (of the substars)
9:00 – Ben Cook-Feltz

There’s a parking lot on 13th Ave SE and 5th St SE that is $3 after 5PM, or you can try your luck with the valets or meters. Also, bring any student IDs you might have to get 30 percent off a menu item.

Update: Andy says there’s free parking after 8PM in the 4th Street Ramp, which is a mere two blocks from the Loring. While we encourage you to show up before 8, it’s not a bad option if you insist on cutting it close.

We’re part of the DEMO weekly showcase at Acadia. Music at 7:30 and a $5 cover.

7:30PM Jon Manners
8:15PM Jim Pellinger duo
9:00PM The Moonrunners
9:45PM the substars
10:30PM skittish

Acadia’s got food and good beer and stuff, too, FYI.

Free Parking is available 150ft North of Acadia on the East side of Nicollet Ave.
Additional parking weekday evenings (after 6pm) and all day on weekends in the Loring Nicollet lots.

Acadia Cafe
1931 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403