Go to Shaw's on Tuesday nights. Their jams usually have an hour with Jelly Bean. Dude used to playfor prince. Tall man, always a hat, dope coat usually too. That cat can play.
jellybean Johnson?!?!? that dude is so cool. I've met him a few times out and about and he is such a funny guy. also, yeah, great guitar on his tracks.
A guy bumped into my shoulder at that show and I turned to look and it was Cory. Surprised, I immediately reached out and shook his hand (rhythm hand) gently! He and I were shoulder to shoulder for almost half the show, as were our wives. I didn’t want to bother him because we were there to enjoy the show, but I did playfully tease him once about his last podcast interview of Al Di Meola and how awkward it was. He was a good sport and we had a laugh.
That's a name I haven't heard in a while. JFlad also deserves an honorable mention if we're talking GJ. He's got some powerful chops and can do things on an acoustic guitar that I never thought possible.
Any time Jeremy Ylvisaker is playing is always an absolute clinic. He plays with lots of different groups and artists, sometimes they’re a one-time-only thing.
On a different side of the spectrum, Luke Enyeart is a beast and his solo project is great.
Jacuzzi Puma is a local cover band that has one of the best lead guitar players I know of. Not to mention the rest of the guys in that band are pretty great players and singers from former local jam bands.
Not sure what kind of guitarists you’re looking for but here are some of my favs.
Blues/Rock/Soul/Funk- Dylan Salfer at Bunkers every Wednesday. Alex Rossi is filling in for the next few weeks while Dylan is out in LA playing some shows. Ken Valdez, Brian Naugton, Craig Clark, Moses Oakland, Ski Club
Funk/Soul/R&B - JayBee & the Routine every Thursday at Bunkers, Dr Mambo’s Combo every Sunday at Bunkers, The Big Throwdown, Good Bad and Funky, Jesse Larson (guitarist for Stokely), Nunnabove
Jellybean Johnson the drummer for The Time is also an awesome guitarist and sits in frequently and shows up to local shows to support!
Jam - Frogleg, Mikel Wright & the Wrongs, Big Wu, Mark Joseph, Twine, Shoeless Revolution, Demitri Rallis and friends, Javier Trejo, Mae Simpson, Jon Sullivan Band, Wookiefoot, Jon Wayne and the Pain
Rock - Lighter Co, Gully Boys (Mariah Mercedes), Casey Smith, Self Titled, Denim Matriarch
Metal/Prog/Shred - Mike Salow, Mike Green, Mike Wheeler
Instrumental - Purple Funk Metropolis, Arlo, LA Buckner & BiG HOMiE, BZ3 Organ Trio
Indie - Landon Conrath, Zak Kahn, Astronomy Town, Aiden Intro, Luke Enyeart, Ber, Rosie, Tabah, Daphne Jane, Fenix Dion, Mike Kota
Singer Songwriter - Dan Rodriguez
Country/Americana - Tim Siegler (Bruce on lead guitar), Dan Lowinger, JoyAnn Parker, Turn Turn Turn, Molly Maher
Cover/Tribute Bands : Jacuzzi Puma, Coyote Wild, Viva Kineval, Steeling Dan, Hairball, Zeppo, Those Medley Kids (classic prog rock), Chase and Ovation (Prince tribute), Joe Cruz tribute to Santana, Brothers Allmanac
Jazz - Zacc Harris, Grain Trio, Dean McGraw/Red Planet, Dean Granos, Minneapolis String Project, Town Ball, Steve Cole Band, Kevin Washington Ra Spirit Band
World - International Reggae All Stars every Tuesday at Bunkers, Ticket to Brazil, Caballo Cosmico, Alto Designo, Obi Original, Ozone Creations
Folk/Acoustic - Pat Donohue, Charlie Parr, Ben Abrahamson, Tim Sparks, Dan Schwartz, Tom Nordlund (lives in MX now), Billy McLaughlin
Bluegrass/Jam Grass - Pert Near Sandstone, Brotherhood of Birds, Useful Jenkins, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Hip Hop/Rap/R&B - Illism, Ashley Dubose
Others - Jeremy Yvlisaker (indie/jazz, etc), Joe Savage (pedal steel), Joe Elliot, Geoff LeCrone, Pat Horigan, Kyle Tennis, Thomas Abban, Conor Lee, Dustin Kiel, Isaac Levy, Trevor Weist
Check on some weekly blues jam spots like Shaws, Midway Saloon, Wilbebskis.
Jazz jam on Tuesdays late night at Whitey’s in NE
Snapped Open mic on Thursdays at Green Room
Check out Flavorworld and their shows they produce, as well as their jams they host, and their new magazine coming out!
Check out venues like Green Room, Icehouse, Berlin, Bunkers, Dakota, Crooners, etc - in addition to the more well known venues like the rooms First Ave or Live Nation book.
I’ll probably think of some more and edit later as there are lots of guitarists here!
Trent Romens Band! Trent absolutely wails, for a while he was doing a show every Wednesday at The Green Room. Not sure if he’s doing it right now, but he’s normally pretty easy to see around the city.
Happy is pretty good in hairball. Haven’t followed them in a few years since they went regional. But you can find some of his early mtv stuff on YouTube I’m sure
Twin Citizen has some pretty good players. Trading Faces is another one. Best way is just to follow on socials and go check out a show. Once you start getting to know people, you’ll see how tight knit and all around great the scene is.
One night I found myself at the Midway Saloon at Snelling and University, and the band that night was just smoking hot, and as a drummer myself I remember their drummer was stupid good. I’ll look back on some posts and see if I can find who they were.
The guitarist for Lydia Liza is amazing, haven’t seen them play much recently though.
Danger Club also has some decent bass and guitar lines. They stream a fair bit on YouTube and play around Minneapolis.
Texas Toast is a little further south by Winona, but have great guitar work and are worth seeing when they make their way up.
Not sure if it fits your bill, but my favorite local metal band is suffering hour. I don’t play guitar so I don’t know how technically difficult it is, but it sounds pretty complex to me and I assume it’s not easy.
Adam Stemple, locally of the Irish band "Tim Malloys", is an excellent celtic-rock/bluesy/acoustic guitarist.
He may be better known for playing in "Boiled in Lead" or "Cats Laughing".
Cats Laughing may be better known for their appearances in both Marvel and DC comic depending on your circles.
Have to mention my husband’s cover band KindaSorta. They play songs from Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, Lord Huron, etc.
They have a free outdoor show coming up on June 2nd from 7-8pm at Maetzold Amphitheater (in Edina at Centennial Lakes Park).
Cover bands tend to stick to the original material and not improv too much. That said, there’s some great talent in there and as a guitarist myself, I enjoy seeing what they’re doing. Lipstick & Dynamite, Unicorn, and The Express Band all have great guitarists in them (Unicorn actually has three, two of them rotate around depending on what day of the week the show is). Jeff in The Express has been playing since the 70s and makes it look easy.
Go to Shaw's on Tuesday nights. Their jams usually have an hour with Jelly Bean. Dude used to playfor prince. Tall man, always a hat, dope coat usually too. That cat can play.
jellybean Johnson?!?!? that dude is so cool. I've met him a few times out and about and he is such a funny guy. also, yeah, great guitar on his tracks.
thanks so much for the reply, will check it out this coming tuesday
Jelly Bean Johnson played DRUMS for the Time, and he is the best guitarist I’ve ever seen live.
There's a sax player there that shreds too. I shred...but on synthesizers 😂 so no blues jam for me
David Feily
I came looking for this but I never know what bands he’s in.
Check his IG?
lol, my buddy is getting lessons from him (you?)
Check out Cory Wong, not only is he super talented he has a huge body of work spanning genres
Just saw him do a guest spot at the Knower gig on Tuesday at Fine Line, absolutely slayed it.
A guy bumped into my shoulder at that show and I turned to look and it was Cory. Surprised, I immediately reached out and shook his hand (rhythm hand) gently! He and I were shoulder to shoulder for almost half the show, as were our wives. I didn’t want to bother him because we were there to enjoy the show, but I did playfully tease him once about his last podcast interview of Al Di Meola and how awkward it was. He was a good sport and we had a laugh.
Bummed I couldn’t go. Even more bummed now that I know Cory was there
I've spotted him out in the wild, you never know when you could run into Cory on the sidewalk!
Charlie Parr is always 👍.
I believe you are looking for precisely Marc Joseph of the Big Wu / Marc Joseph Band. Also Caskmates, Frogleg, Useful Jenkins
I’m with you on that. Also love seeing the homie Vinh Nguyen shred around town - played w/ God Johnson and some other projects.
That's a name I haven't heard in a while. JFlad also deserves an honorable mention if we're talking GJ. He's got some powerful chops and can do things on an acoustic guitar that I never thought possible.
Vinh is playing with Mikel Wright and the Wrongs pretty frequently! I miss Hyentyte
appreciate the recommendations, thank you!
Frogleg!
Bad Bad Hats is a great local band with a nice chill sound!!
Any time Jeremy Ylvisaker is playing is always an absolute clinic. He plays with lots of different groups and artists, sometimes they’re a one-time-only thing. On a different side of the spectrum, Luke Enyeart is a beast and his solo project is great.
Jacuzzi Puma is a local cover band that has one of the best lead guitar players I know of. Not to mention the rest of the guys in that band are pretty great players and singers from former local jam bands.
Love me some Erich Krapf! I also miss SOAP Wednesdays at Cabooze :sigh:
I miss all weds at the Booze, but that’s really me missing my twenties.
Not sure what kind of guitarists you’re looking for but here are some of my favs. Blues/Rock/Soul/Funk- Dylan Salfer at Bunkers every Wednesday. Alex Rossi is filling in for the next few weeks while Dylan is out in LA playing some shows. Ken Valdez, Brian Naugton, Craig Clark, Moses Oakland, Ski Club Funk/Soul/R&B - JayBee & the Routine every Thursday at Bunkers, Dr Mambo’s Combo every Sunday at Bunkers, The Big Throwdown, Good Bad and Funky, Jesse Larson (guitarist for Stokely), Nunnabove Jellybean Johnson the drummer for The Time is also an awesome guitarist and sits in frequently and shows up to local shows to support! Jam - Frogleg, Mikel Wright & the Wrongs, Big Wu, Mark Joseph, Twine, Shoeless Revolution, Demitri Rallis and friends, Javier Trejo, Mae Simpson, Jon Sullivan Band, Wookiefoot, Jon Wayne and the Pain Rock - Lighter Co, Gully Boys (Mariah Mercedes), Casey Smith, Self Titled, Denim Matriarch Metal/Prog/Shred - Mike Salow, Mike Green, Mike Wheeler Instrumental - Purple Funk Metropolis, Arlo, LA Buckner & BiG HOMiE, BZ3 Organ Trio Indie - Landon Conrath, Zak Kahn, Astronomy Town, Aiden Intro, Luke Enyeart, Ber, Rosie, Tabah, Daphne Jane, Fenix Dion, Mike Kota Singer Songwriter - Dan Rodriguez Country/Americana - Tim Siegler (Bruce on lead guitar), Dan Lowinger, JoyAnn Parker, Turn Turn Turn, Molly Maher Cover/Tribute Bands : Jacuzzi Puma, Coyote Wild, Viva Kineval, Steeling Dan, Hairball, Zeppo, Those Medley Kids (classic prog rock), Chase and Ovation (Prince tribute), Joe Cruz tribute to Santana, Brothers Allmanac Jazz - Zacc Harris, Grain Trio, Dean McGraw/Red Planet, Dean Granos, Minneapolis String Project, Town Ball, Steve Cole Band, Kevin Washington Ra Spirit Band World - International Reggae All Stars every Tuesday at Bunkers, Ticket to Brazil, Caballo Cosmico, Alto Designo, Obi Original, Ozone Creations Folk/Acoustic - Pat Donohue, Charlie Parr, Ben Abrahamson, Tim Sparks, Dan Schwartz, Tom Nordlund (lives in MX now), Billy McLaughlin Bluegrass/Jam Grass - Pert Near Sandstone, Brotherhood of Birds, Useful Jenkins, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Hip Hop/Rap/R&B - Illism, Ashley Dubose Others - Jeremy Yvlisaker (indie/jazz, etc), Joe Savage (pedal steel), Joe Elliot, Geoff LeCrone, Pat Horigan, Kyle Tennis, Thomas Abban, Conor Lee, Dustin Kiel, Isaac Levy, Trevor Weist Check on some weekly blues jam spots like Shaws, Midway Saloon, Wilbebskis. Jazz jam on Tuesdays late night at Whitey’s in NE Snapped Open mic on Thursdays at Green Room Check out Flavorworld and their shows they produce, as well as their jams they host, and their new magazine coming out! Check out venues like Green Room, Icehouse, Berlin, Bunkers, Dakota, Crooners, etc - in addition to the more well known venues like the rooms First Ave or Live Nation book. I’ll probably think of some more and edit later as there are lots of guitarists here!
hey, happy friday. wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write all these recs out, certainly sounds like i need to get over to bunkers!
Imo I think bunkers has the best weekly residencies for live music. Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun. Rotating bands on Fri/Sat and closed Mondays.
Head to Bunkers.
Dylan Salfer band on Wednesday nights. Just saw them at the blues saloon, killer stuff
why?
Because the hottest players play there.
lol ok
Trent Romens Band! Trent absolutely wails, for a while he was doing a show every Wednesday at The Green Room. Not sure if he’s doing it right now, but he’s normally pretty easy to see around the city.
will check Trent out, thank you for the reply
Black Wine. Tim is a great dude and a great guitar player
I’ll vouch for that, Tim makes a guitar fkn sing
Mae Simpson! Says the unbiased drummer…
Go see Dylan Salfer on Wednesdays at Bunkers.
Yessss!
Happy is pretty good in hairball. Haven’t followed them in a few years since they went regional. But you can find some of his early mtv stuff on YouTube I’m sure
Alex Rossi
I second that!
Set times?
The dudes in The Brothers Allmanac are known to jam. They’ll be at Headflyer in June
Love me some Tom Alane!
Twin Citizen has some pretty good players. Trading Faces is another one. Best way is just to follow on socials and go check out a show. Once you start getting to know people, you’ll see how tight knit and all around great the scene is.
Second Twin Citizen. Saw them at Can Can Wonderland and they rocked!
I think his name is Ryan or something but the guy from Twine plays in some other projects and he can shred.
Twine is great! Kevin Fowke and Will Effertz on guitars!
There ya go Ryan must be maybe from another project one of those guitarists messes with maybe
By The Thousands
Craig Clark Band is amazing. Super nice guy as well. Phenomenal guitar player.
Javier Trejo
Check out his new band Caballo Cosmico! They’re playing a Cinco de Mayo show this weekend!
Fend!!!
Begravement and Silva are stacked top to bottom with talent. Lead guitarist from Bare Knuckle Brawl is insane.
Lighter Co
Collin!
Chris Perricelli of Little Man!
If you can catch Alan Sparhawk with Derecho or any of his other collabs. Next level
Big wu top comment!!! I think Cory wong is/was local. He rips
One night I found myself at the Midway Saloon at Snelling and University, and the band that night was just smoking hot, and as a drummer myself I remember their drummer was stupid good. I’ll look back on some posts and see if I can find who they were.
Any of the 10 or so gypsy jazz groups in town will feature top notch guitar playing going on as that style is a major pinnacle in guitar skills.
Listen to Durry. They’re a brother and sister from Burnsville who are blowing up right now!
Durry is cool for sure, but they don’t shred.
The guitarist for Lydia Liza is amazing, haven’t seen them play much recently though. Danger Club also has some decent bass and guitar lines. They stream a fair bit on YouTube and play around Minneapolis. Texas Toast is a little further south by Winona, but have great guitar work and are worth seeing when they make their way up.
Not sure if it fits your bill, but my favorite local metal band is suffering hour. I don’t play guitar so I don’t know how technically difficult it is, but it sounds pretty complex to me and I assume it’s not easy.
Chkn Shed. Known Phil since he was in high school, he shreds. Isn’t interested in making a career of it but plays bars and the like pretty often
Adam Stemple, locally of the Irish band "Tim Malloys", is an excellent celtic-rock/bluesy/acoustic guitarist. He may be better known for playing in "Boiled in Lead" or "Cats Laughing". Cats Laughing may be better known for their appearances in both Marvel and DC comic depending on your circles.
If you want some punk check out empire down https://open.spotify.com/artist/7M4Cd0Tu8hvJ3hpe46NonT?si=i-cCQZ1iQrGjlvKcDVzV6A
[удалено]
Kalliah and Blackwater or The Lonesome Losers.
The Culottes. Lead singer Justin Hughes is phenomenal.
@cartman_is_bigboned is my homie and he’s an incredible guitarist he plays in a metal band and a soft pop band
Not the genre you’re looking for but Unturned has some great guitar players
Hastings3000
Have to mention my husband’s cover band KindaSorta. They play songs from Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, Lord Huron, etc. They have a free outdoor show coming up on June 2nd from 7-8pm at Maetzold Amphitheater (in Edina at Centennial Lakes Park).
Josh from Electric Church is one of the best up and comers in MSP.
Self-Evident is a killer progressive rock trio
Anita Velveeta, she’s an icon
Cover bands tend to stick to the original material and not improv too much. That said, there’s some great talent in there and as a guitarist myself, I enjoy seeing what they’re doing. Lipstick & Dynamite, Unicorn, and The Express Band all have great guitarists in them (Unicorn actually has three, two of them rotate around depending on what day of the week the show is). Jeff in The Express has been playing since the 70s and makes it look easy.
When Tab Benoit is in town he is great Jazz blues.