Minneapolis: Hexagon Bar Saturday Night.

Chris von Sneidern took stage at about 10:20. It started out funny 
per he was instructed to start at 10:30.  Thus, since he had the 
audiences attention he started the set with about 10 minutes of stage 
banter, indicating he was to wait until 10:30 to start. Very funny. 
Complete with starting (but then stopping) a count down for the music 
to finally begin.
I'll just echo what someone wrote in Chicago. His voice was in great 
form and it was such a pleasure to see and hear him again. Catch him 
if you can. 

Following Chris was a local band called "Seymore Saves the World".  
Their web site compares them to Ben Folds Five. I could hear it in 
his voice and the fact that they are a keyboard driven band.  The 
playing style got a bit repetitive to my ears but they had the 
biggest crowd of the night. Also, the bass player's singing manner 
totally reminded me of John Munson's from Trip 
Shakespeare/Semisonic.  I'm certain it's not intentional (and maybe 
purely my reaction) but it was just kinda odd.  Anyway, I mention 
this per some on this board might really dig them in the future, so 
keep yer eyes open.

Ending the night was Autumn Leaves rather then the expected Beatifics 
(I was actually pleased with this turn of events).  Chris Dorn is now 
also the bass player in the Autumn Leaves. Anyway, they put on a very 
nice set. Moving from some blazing 60's inspired numbers but ending 
with four countrified songs (complete with pedal steel guitar). 
 
Anyway, it's such a pleasure to catch Chris live.  There were pretty 
decent numbers in attendance on Saturday night and I would say Chris 
won over those in the crowd that were seeing him for the first time. 
Naturally, the pool playing and chatting continued in the  room next 
door during the show.  It always leaves me a bit amazed/perplexed 
that I can witness something that I would honestly define as 
greatness and others wouldn't put down their cue stick or drink to 
even check it out. I don't mean that as a they SHOULD have done so 
but more simply how strange those moments feel to me.  But yes, I 
know, different (cue) strokes for different folks. 

 
Best, Steve D
NP: Chris von Sneidern "California Redemption Value"