Columnist/Reporter | Local Music

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.

Riemenschneider has also written for Rolling Stone, the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News and Billboard and won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Society for Features Journalism and Society of American Travel Writers.


Jeff Lynne's ELO to say goodbye with only their second Twin Cities concert in four decades

The '70s hitmakers' Over and Out Tour will hit Xcel Center on Sept. 30, five years after their long-awaited return to town.


Trampled by Turtles and Avett Brothers to pair up again, this time at Xcel Energy Center

The Oct. 24 co-headlining gig in St. Paul will follow another meet-up at Wisconsin's Alpine Valley Music Theatre on Aug. 18.


Scene Makers Q&A: Sanni Brown blends hip-hop and all-Black music stream into MPR's mix

The host of the new Carbon Sound stream is also still holding court on the Current's show "The Message."


Olivia Rodrigo tour offers late 'charity platinum' tickets for Friday's St. Paul concert

A way to combat inflated resale prices on her Guts Tour, the seats appeared Thursday on Ticketmaster for her Xcel Energy Center show.


Basilica Block Party's rebirth in 2024 to feature old faves Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls

The event's move to Boom Island Park in Minneapolis also will feature the Fray, Needtobreathe, Phillip Phillips and an all-local stage.


The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts in the Twin Cities this week

Highlights for March 14-20 include Olivia Rodrigo, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Arlo Parks, Mark Mallman and Next.


Aster Café owner plans to open a larger venue, Aster House, along Minneapolis riverfront

The new 200-capacity eatery and music space will take over a historic building in the St. Anthony Main district.


Chance the Rapper will rejoin his summer friends in Minnesota in the State Fair's 2024 lineup

The Grammy-winning Chicago hip-hop star has made the Twin Cities one of the only stops on his limited itinerary.


10 reasons it's a bad idea to not take St. Paul-bound Olivia Rodrigo seriously

The former Disney TV star has come a long way in a short amount of time transitioning into a rock star.


St. Paul jazz haven goes quiet again as KJ's Hideaway abruptly closes

The club was housed in the downtown basement space previously occupied by the Artists' Quarter and Vieux Carré.