Charlie Parr | Live at the Red Herring Lounge, Duluth, MNEmpty Bottle Evenings

Jan212016January 21, 2016January 21, 2016No Commentby Bake

Charlie Parr | Live at the Red Herring Lounge, Duluth, MN

Posted in Music

When I found out that there was live music less than 10 minutes from my house I was ecstatic, which says a lot since I think the last time I was ecstatic was probably when I was able to find rare action figures at Toys R Us. I don’t know if Toys R Us is still in business and I have no idea if it ever existed in Minnesota but I know that I now exist there. And so does live music. And beyond that live music exists that is actually good and is not just REO Speedwagon cover bands which for some reason I expected to find in northern Minnesota. Admittedly, I am sad to not be able to sing along with “Keep On Loving You” BUT I was happy to find out that the Northlands’ own Charlie Parr was playing at The Red Herring Lounge within drunken walking distance from my apartment this Wednesday.

Before Parr got on stage Mother Banjo opened and they were pretty damn good. Vocalist and banjo playing mother Ellen Stanley (no idea if she has beared children but she seemed cool either way) was joined by a male friend playing keyboard and they played some damn fine lovely melodies. It was mostly low key americana fare in the style of Gillian Welch but it was gooooood and it whet the appetite for Charlie Parr well. The banjo was tight and the keys were tickled well, but most obviously her voice was strong and powerful with their tunes filling the room figurately as the crowd filed in literally. Anyone who was late missed a solid performance and really they have no fucking excuse because there is absolutely nothing else going on in Duluth, MN at 9pm so they should have been there, Seriously, their loss. Jerks.

Before his set started Parr slithered around the crowd wearing the rattiest sweatshirt I’ve seen in years and talked to whomever approached him despite the guaranteed awkwardness, proving that he is at the very least miles cooler than the 85% hipster crowd present. Parr obviously didn’t care about his outfit, but his crowd who also wore clothes from another decade and sadly neglected to shower before the performance, seemed to be trying too hard. No matter, Parr gave off the vibe of authenticity, whether he was enjoying Mother Banjo’s set from within the crowd or flawlessly playing his badass guitar on stage. Ironic mustaches and weird hats forgiven, I hope that the audience appreciated what they witnessed. I’ve listened to Parr before but never heard his country-blues live before and I couldn’t help but be taken aback by his presence. For a wirey old white dude he sounds much larger and soulful than you would expect. He did have an additional guitar player and a washboard expert by his side, but it sounded like he had an entire orchestra. It was big, powerful, and beautiful.

For a small bar that fit less than 100 people, it felt like a much larger musical experience. I want to go back and see more bands, although the $5 cover charge might be influencing that as well. Still Parr and friends brought it effortlessly and now I can feel like a true Minnesotan and say that I witnessed it and that I recommend everyone see the man whenever you have a chance. It’s powerful bluesy rock and it even made me want to dance. Well, at least the white Minnesota version of dancing. Swaying? Moving? Convulsing? Whatever it is, having a few whiskeys doesn’t always do the trick on its own, but thanks to Mr. Parr I’ve moved my hips for the first time in ages. Despite my certain pending old man soreness coming tomorrow I know that it will be worth it.