The Cactus Blossoms w/Becky Kapell at Turf Club

January 2024 Monday Residency

Hailed as "the Twin Cities' most beloved new traditional-country act” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Cactus Blossoms built a devoted local following in the years leading up to their first national release, 2016’s You’re Dreaming, which was produced by friend and tourmate JD McPherson. Dates with Kacey Musgraves, Jenny Lewis, and Lucius followed, as did rave reviews from NPR, who extolled “the brothers’ extraordinary singing,” and the New York Times, who praised their “tightly woven harmonies.”

While The Cactus Blossoms have drawn frequent comparisons to other musical siblings like the Everlys and Louvins over the years, their newest album One Day often suggests a more soulful, ’70s-inspired palette, hinting at times to Bobby Charles or JJ Cale with its playful Wurlitzer, breezy guitars, and lean, muscular percussion. The band’s classic country and old-school pop roots are still there, of course, but the growth and evolution underlying One Day is obvious, not only in the duo’s writing, but in their core philosophy, as well. “I think we’re more confident now than we’ve ever been,” says Burkum. “We’re comfortable going after whatever feels right and just being true to ourselves and the songs, no matter where that takes us sonically.”

Late-blooming Minnesota singer-songwriter Becky Kapell writes gritty, no-nonsense songs that come from the crossroads of old-time rock and roll and country, delivered with a wistful croon and a wry smile. Always walking the line between mischief and heartache, her music doesn’t shy away from life’s truths and her own shortcomings, and with over 50 years of life’s ups and downs, she has plenty of material to draw from. Working with her all-star band The Fat 6, Kapell has quickly become a fixture in the Twin Cities music scene, sharing the stage with some of Americana’s biggest acts like Southern Culture on the Skids, Rosie Flores, and Wayne Hancock. Having just released her critically acclaimed third album In It To Win It in 2022, Becky Kapell is poised to become Minnesota’s next big Americana export. Recorded during the pandemic with partner and bandmate Paul Bergen, it mixes the raw grooves of Lucinda Williams, the haunting sounds of Emmylou and the classic rock and roll feel of Nick Lowe.