Photos by: Sophia Bronwyn

Article by Matt Norris

On the heels of setting a new world record for the number of performances in 24 hours, Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls is now on tour to their 3000th show. The Minneapolis Uptown Theater played host to show number 2889, with three supporting acts in addition to Turner’s group. The Minneapolis populace sold out the show, with additional tickets opening up last minute by Turner’s persuasion.

Micah Schnabel opened his set with folk music vibes and modern stories. He was the first act of the evening, shortly after joined on stage by Vanessa Jean Speckman. Her voice added smooth and sweet vocals to Schnabel’s coarse-toned lyrics. The energized experience captivated the audience quickly. The effect was similar to a well-balanced hotdish - a familiar foundation (folk), some spice (lyrics), some salt (Schnabel) and something sweet (Speckman). The final combination sounds better than said hotdish could possibly have turned out.

What turned the stage black and white and red all over? None other than the Bridge City Sinners, a brilliant folk group of five. Their electrified instruments sounded eclectic as ever, painting a contrast from their modern appearance against the warm folk sounds, let alone the phenomenal vocal performances. Self described as spanning the gamut from “prohibition era jazz to Appalachian death folk,” their live performance exceeds imagination and expectation. For the second time in the night, it feels as if the entire building has given their full attention to the stage.

Third in the lineup is Amigo the Devil. Their backdrop, adorned with kittens, hangs behind the stage. Danny Kiranos came out front and center, capturing the audience with his magnetic personality, funfetti flavored humor, and twisted optimism. His band sounded nothing short of first class, and his banjo heated beans at a rate only rivaled by Chipotle. The colorful stories between songs and banter between band mates only furthered the warmth Kiranos stage presence brought. Their performances were headliner quality, and had I not been aware I was attending a Frank Turner show, I may have presumed them to be as such.

At this point of the evening, I found myself bemused that the Uptown Theater’s crowd had been treated to three American Folk groups, all pushing and expanding the genre in their own way - like a well worn jacket that’s been proudly mended with each owner - now waiting for an equally distinct english folk, punk hybrid.

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls took the stage in high gear. If the thought had occurred before the show, I’d have found myself standing in the sold out crowd with a Polaroid camera, waiting for the moment I’d capture forever.

Frank Turner’s set, the final act of the evening, burst to life wide awake and full of passion. The crowd, having enjoyed their immaculate appetizers, were now completely ready to be immersed in the entree. Turner’s lyrics highlight stories of adolescence, relationships, and kindness to name some themes. Stories to provide context adorned several pieces, such as to “show people,”bringing greater depth to the music and further connecting to the audience. In fact, Turner’s connection was so strong he was able to crowd surf while continuing to perform.

If there’s any question about seeing Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls in your city, let me help you answer that: this is the show you are looking for. Fill up your cup with some wholesome, down to earth, sonic greatness.