The Cactus Blossoms w/Laamar 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.”

LAAMAR is the latest project led by Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and composer Geoffrey Lamar Wilson. Former frontman of Brooklyn-based Jus Post Bellum, also known for his multilayered looped saxophone performances and catchy podcast ditties. This latest project blends his idiomatic inspirations bridging Folk, Soul, R&B, and Country, into a collection of songs with a constant ear towards issues of racial and social justice, and the shared human experience. He's regularly joined by drummer James Taylor, Guitarist Steve Bosmans, and Bassist Jason Wells as well as a rotating cast of collaborators and special guests.