The Winery Dogs – First Avenue – Minneapolis MN – May 20th 2019

First Avenue presents Who Let the Dogs out tour staring The Winery Dogs.

The Winery Dogs are a project from some of the most respected musicians around. Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo and many other bands, Billy Sheenan of David Lee Roth, Talas, Mr. Big and many other bands, and Richie Kotzen of his solo work and just awesome guitar playing.

I will admit I never listen to much but like what I heard. This seems to me a more rock n roll blues band then the other projects these guys work on. Richie’s guitar playing is incredible. He makes it look effortless. As the evening went on I found myself just watching him. Now don’t get me wrong, BIlly’s bass solo is always something to see and hear. These guys seemed to be having so much fun onstage with each other. I seem to like these side project a lot more then the bands these guys are famous for. Same with Sons of Apollo.

The setlist concentrated on their self titled debut The Winery Dogs and their second release Hot Streak. They also did a Richie solo The Road. When they started the Elvish Bishop song Fooled Around and Fell In Love everyone sang along. Heard a lot of compliments about it afterward with friends. I really enjoyed the energy and the showmanship these guys brought tonight. Richie talked about how he was a huge Prince fan and was very excited to play at First Ave tonight. I think he gave us a little more tonight and it showed. It reminded me that you have to just go out and see live music, have a couple and enjoy the evening with music and friends. I really hope these guys decide to do this again soon.

Full info on the Winery Dogs click HERE.

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen