So that’s it for 2009, time to close the barn door on that one. We had some incredible nights that had plenty of witnesses and other nights that only a handful of folks will be able to tell their grandchildren about,but that’s the way it goes most of the time. Hope for the best,expect the worst and drink plenty of fluids. We survived yet another year and we salute all the bands that made the upstairs and downstairs P.A.’s relevant and we’re especially grateful to everyone that strolled through the doors and supported live music here at the Beer Joint/Music Hall.

On a more somber note we have to acknowledge the passing of Vic Chestnutt on Christmas Day. Vic was a consensus favorite artist here (the double bill with Jonathan Richman was magical) and if for some reason you haven’t been paying attention for the last 20 years or so, you missed out on a world class songwriter and a real gentle soul…

American Idol chugs along and Vic shuffles off this mortal coil proving once again that whom ever first uttered the phrase “No one ever said life was fair” hit the nail squarely on the head. A heartfelt thanks to Minnesota Public Radio for helping ease the hurt over the weekend with music and remembrances of Vic.

Never underestimate the healing power of radio.

Let’s see what you’ve got 2010….
-Howard

We just uploaded some photos from Chuck Prophet & Grainbelt (well, of Howard at least) that Luke was kind enough to send over. Enjoy! Check out the full gallery here.

Finally after umpteen years - we’ve started selling advance tickets to select events. We’ve gone with Brown Paper Tickets, who not only has the LOWEST service fees in the online biz, but they’re the first and only ‘free trade ticket’ company. What does that mean? We have no idea either, but it sounds freakin’ sweet.

This service will slowly be more and more integrated into our website, but in order to get the word out for some KILLER shows we’ve got coming up, we decided to jump the gun and post ‘em. Right now, we’re selling tickets for Greg Ginn and the Taylor Texas Corrugators, The Felice Brothers, and The Cliks.

2009 is going to be a big year for The Valentines… and The Mets too.
We can totally feel it. Can you?

I was just checking our YouTube page, and there are quite a few good videos from a few recent shows. Namely Kiss Kiss, The Sleeping, and Emarosa. Check it out, and a Big Thanks to all your YouTubers who record this stuff and upload it.

Here is a Kiss Kiss Teaser video that features their stop here not too long ago.