Nur-D with Heatbox and Maxaphone and Push and Turn – Chateau Rochester – February 7th, 2025

Nur-D with Heatbox and Maxaphone and Push and Turn – Chateau Rochester – February 7th, 2025

Review and photos by Kate Klaus

    The historic Chateau Theater in Rochester, MN was a beautiful setting for a night of uplifting music from a fantastic lineup of MN artists.  Starting off the night was Rochester based Push and Turn, a reggae-fusion band whose vibrant energy was matched by the pulsating colors from the light show delivered by event sponsor Northern Sun Productions.  With elements of jazz and blues mixed into their light reggae style music, Push and Turn started off the night by bringing a wave of positive energy and beautiful music to this unique venue.  

   Minneapolis-based Heatbox, the stage name for Aaron Heaton, took the stage next, and immediately captivated the crowd with his beatbox stylings, which are so complex and entrancing that it is almost difficult to find words to describe the art that he is able to produce with just his voice (and in some songs a ukelele).  His performance was not just about the incredible sonic journey he produced, but also a vibrant and comedic personality.  Joined on stage by electric saxophonist Maxaphone, it was a truly unique and beautifully mesmerizing performance that lit the theater on fire.  

  The positive energy exploded as the night concluded by a performance by Twin Cities rapper Nur-D, who left everything on stage and took the crowd on a musical performance journey through some of his amazing catalogue of emotionally driven songs.  The driving energy behind his performance is overwhelming positivity, with messages of inclusivity, body positivity, and love.  As the colorful lights bounce off the castle façade behind him, his boundless energy filled the room with joy and meaningful lyrics, complemented by deep beats and subtle smiles from DJ Hayes.  They closed the night with “Glorious” with arms up from the crowd as they joined along in the chorus for a beautiful finale to a glorious night of music and community.