Myles Kennedy – Varsity Theater- Minneapolis MN – January 18th 2024

Myles Kennedy live at The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis Minnesota on January 18th 2024 with special guests Tim Montana and Son of Silver.

Sons of Silver played an electric show at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis on January 18th, 2024, delivering a performance packed with energy, grit, and soul. The Minneapolis crowd was buzzing in anticipation, and Sons of Silver did not disappoint.

Venue: The Varsity Theater is an iconic venue in the heart of Minneapolis, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics. The band’s performance seemed perfectly suited to the space—close enough for an up-close connection with the crowd but big enough to feel like a full, robust show. The intimate setting allowed for a raw and personal experience, with fans hanging on every note.

Sons of Silver Setlist: The band’s setlist was a mix of gritty rock anthems, sultry ballads, and moments of pure groove. Sons of Silver, fronted by Peter Argyropoulos (formerly of The Drams), showcases an impressive range, from powerful, riff-heavy tracks to more subdued, introspective moments. Highlights included their latest single “Tell Me This”, which had a palpable emotional intensity that resonated deeply with the crowd, and “Getting Started”, a track that featured some of the band’s best instrumental work.

The band’s chemistry was undeniable. Argyropoulos’ gravelly, soulful voice effortlessly carried each song, blending seamlessly with the dynamic musicianship behind him. Adam Kury’s bass work was a standout, grounding the rhythm section while adding layers of depth to every track. Mark Slutsky on drums provided the perfect backbone, keeping the energy high while never overplaying his hand, and Briana Kabler on keyboards.

Crowd Interaction: The band connected with the Minneapolis audience in a down-to-earth, unpretentious way. Argyropoulos frequently engaged with the crowd, telling stories behind some of the songs and making the audience feel like they were part of the journey. The show felt like a conversation between the band and the fans—one that reflected their authenticity and love for the music.

Sound and Production: The sound at the Varsity Theater was superb, with clear vocals and the instrumentation coming through rich and sharp. The lighting design, paired with the venue’s existing vintage charm, enhanced the atmosphere, especially during more atmospheric moments. There were bursts of color during the high-energy songs, while more subdued hues enveloped the audience during the quieter, introspective tracks.

Overall: Sons of Silver’s performance in Minneapolis was a testament to their raw talent and passion for rock and roll. It was a night of great music, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Fans left the venue energized and excited to follow the band’s journey into the future, hoping that this won’t be their last time playing Minneapolis.

If you haven’t yet seen Sons of Silver live, make sure to catch them next time they roll through town. The experience is one you won’t want to miss.

Tim Montana took the stage  delivering a high-octane, down-home rock show that blended country, southern rock, and a touch of blues in a way only he can. The intimate venue was packed, and the crowd was ready for the ride. Montana didn’t waste any time, pulling fans into his world of rough-edged country music and electric charisma.

Tim Montana’s set was a blast from start to finish, blending the spirit of outlaw country with the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. Opening with a rollicking rendition of “Get You Some”, the crowd was immediately engaged. Montana’s presence on stage was undeniable—he’s a larger-than-life character, and his rockstar charisma was evident the moment he grabbed the mic. He brought not just the music but the entire experience to life, with a swagger and charm that felt effortless.

His backing band, which was as tight as it gets, played off his energy, delivering punchy guitar riffs, gritty basslines, and steady drums. The entire band fed off the crowd’s energy, creating a dynamic, interactive atmosphere that kept everyone moving.

Highlights of the night included:

• “Mostly Stoned”, a fan-favorite that had the crowd singing along. Montana’s ability to connect with his audience shone through as he paused to let the crowd take over the chorus.
• “Ain’t Comin Down”, a track full of high-energy guitar licks and fast-paced rhythms that got the whole venue fired up.
• “Shut Me Out”, a song with an anthem-like quality that captured Montana’s working-class roots and relentless drive. The track resonated deeply with the Minneapolis crowd, who were definitely in the mood for a little “get things done” energy.

Montana’s voice was in prime form—gravelly, full of swagger, yet tender when he needed it. His blend of country authenticity and rockstar energy has always been a signature element of his live shows, and this performance was no exception. There’s something contagious about his enthusiasm—it’s impossible not to get swept up in the moment.

Crowd Interaction

Tim Montana made sure to keep the audience involved throughout the show. He frequently engaged the crowd between songs, cracking jokes, sharing stories from his own life, and giving shoutouts to fans. His laid-back attitude made it feel like you were hanging out with an old friend. During “Wilder Days”, he brought a sense of nostalgia into the room, speaking about the fleeting nature of youth and the beauty of chasing your dreams—something that resonated with many in the crowd.

As the set progressed, the energy only ramped up. He pulled out a surprise cover of “California” from Tupac, giving it his own spin with a dirty, southern-rock vibe. The audience roared their approval, and it was clear that Montana has a special way of making his shows feel like a celebration.

After a strong main set, Montana and his band returned for an encore that sealed the deal. The crowd chanted and clapped in anticipation, and when they came back on stage, it was for the raucous “Devil You Know”, a track that brought the house down with its infectious rhythm and hard-hitting guitars.

Overall Impression

Tim Montana’s performance at the Varsity Theater was everything you could want from a live show—raw, energetic, and full of heart. His ability to seamlessly blend country, rock, and blues, while still maintaining an authenticity that resonates with fans, makes him a standout in the modern Americana scene. By the end of the night, the Minneapolis crowd was buzzing with excitement, thoroughly satisfied with a performance that was both energetic and heartfelt.

If you get a chance to see Tim Montana live, don’t miss it. His stage presence, combined with his band’s tight musicianship, makes for a truly memorable night of music. And judging by how the crowd was reacting, this won’t be the last time Montana plays the Varsity Theater. He’s clearly got a strong fan base in Minneapolis, and he’s only going to keep gaining momentum from here.

Myles Kennedy, best known as the powerhouse frontman of Alter Bridge and for his work with Slash, brought his solo show to the Varsity Theater  and it was an unforgettable evening. The venue, with its intimate charm and impeccable acoustics, was the perfect setting for Kennedy to showcase his considerable talents and connect with his audience on a deeply personal level.

When Myles Kennedy finally took the stage, the anticipation was palpable. The moment he walked out, guitar in hand, the crowd erupted into applause. Kennedy, dressed simply in jeans and a button-up shirt, exuded warmth and humility. From the first note, it was clear that his vocal abilities—already legendary—would shine even brighter in this intimate setting.

He started with “The Art of Letting Go” from his 2022 solo album The Ides of March. The stripped-down arrangement showcased Kennedy’s hauntingly powerful voice in a way that was nothing short of mesmerizing. His vocal range—spanning from soulful whispers to powerful, soaring high notes—had the crowd hanging on every word. The guitar added a new depth to the already rich arrangements, and Kennedy’s emotional delivery felt raw and genuine.

The night was a journey through his solo work highlights of the set included:

• “Tell It Like It Is”: The title track from his solo album was a standout, with the audience vibing along to its upbeat tempo and reflective lyrics. The acoustic arrangement was uplifting, and the crowd sang along, making for a truly communal experience.
• “Year of the Tiger”: One of the most tender moments of the night, Kennedy’s acoustic rendition of this fan-favorite ballad had the entire room singing in unison. His voice was delicate and controlled, yet emotionally powerful. It was a moment of shared reflection and connection between the artist and his fans.
• “Haunted By Design”: Another highlight, where Kennedy took the crowd on a journey with this heavy yet haunting ballad. Though stripped down, the song still packed a punch, and his ability to command attention with just his voice and acoustic guitar was extraordinary.
• “In Stride”: Kennedy’s performance of this was an exciting departure from the acoustic vibe, as he injected more intensity into the set. The crowd was engaged, and the song’s powerful energy was amplified in the intimate venue.

Crowd Interaction

One of the most striking aspects of the show was Kennedy’s connection with the audience. He frequently paused between songs to share stories, talk about the inspiration behind certain tracks, and thank the audience for their support. At one point, he spoke about the significance of Minneapolis in his career, recalling how the city has always embraced his music. He even joked about his affinity for cold weather, earning a few laughs from the Minnesota crowd.

During his solo acoustic performances, Kennedy’s vulnerability was clear. He shared some behind-the-scenes insights into his songwriting process, revealing the personal nature of many of the songs. He took a moment to reflect on the challenges of the past few years, making the performance not just a musical experience, but an emotional one.

Encore

After a rousing standing ovation, Kennedy returned to the stage for an encore. The crowd was eager for more, and Kennedy did not disappoint, playing a version of “Say What You Will”. It was a showstopper, and the emotional intensity of the performance left everyone in awe. The room was filled with reverence and appreciation, as the last notes of the song lingered in the air.

Overall Impression

Myles Kennedy’s solo performance at the Varsity Theater was an absolute masterclass in both musicianship and artistry. His ability to convey deep emotion through his voice and guitar, while sharing personal stories with the audience, created an unforgettable experience. The intimate setting allowed Kennedy to shine in a way that was unique and deeply moving—fans were able to hear the raw, vulnerable side of one of rock’s most accomplished vocalists.

If you have the chance to see Myles Kennedy live on this tour, don’t hesitate. His shows are not just concerts—they’re an opportunity to connect with the artist on a deeply personal level. With his soaring vocals, storytelling, and world-class guitar work, Kennedy proved once again why he remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in modern rock.