King Princess Gives Uptown Theater The Royal Treatment
Photos By Elizabeth Woodstra
With the ten seconds of daylight we get this time of year in Minnesota, things are seemingly extra dreary and down. A much needed medicine to warm my chilly heart? King Princess is just what the doctor ordered.
Headed to Hennepin to search for the coveted meter spot. Lots right next door on Lagoon was only 20 bucks, not bad since most of the meters are $2 an hour. Depending on show and pregame/dinner desires, may be more economically savvy to choose the lot. Only needing 4 hours, kept to my meter. My karmic load must be at an all-time high, as soon as I turned onto Lagoon, a juicy meter spot right after the tour buses was wide open. On weekends, apparently the price per hour pops up to $3. C'mon now, Minneapolis Parking. No need to nickel and dime every where in the city. Depending on what day and zone your 50 cent spot turns into a 5 dollar one. Preeeeeeetty annoying. But what wasn't bothersome was the 30 second walk I had to the box office.
Twas about 20 degrees out, spied the slight line from my car and hung out there until 15 minutes past doors opening. Security was going down the line and making sure everyone knew the rules, checking IDs, overall making sure the process went as fast as possible. New things I noticed not allowed were Sharpies/markers which is very much understandable. Getting everyone informed and checked efficiently is always appreciated from a guest POV, that extra courtesy is even more enjoyed when ditching your extra layer in the car to avoid coat check. After a small handful of minutes, got through security and was ready to people watch a bit with my beer before the opening act. $13 for a tall boy of Deschutes Fresh Squeezed. Not cheap but not the $15 to $20 I've sadly seen at other venues.
The stage was drenched in azure light. Fog machines going at full blast as the crowd slowly filled out. Giggling, chit chatting and joyful conversation swirled throughout. A highly female dominated audience than the typical show I attend. Around 80-90%. Interesting change and a great first experience for me since being one of the only gals at a concert has just become normal for me. I've also never felt taller at a concert, and could see everything with out a neck strain. A good handful of guitars lined the stage, so knew there would be good shredding ahead.
Being my first time seeing them, New York born Sasami was a true treat to see. The Uptown Theater show would be the crescendo and end of her B.O.S.S. Tour, but I think that made it even better as a maiden voyage into her music for me. The lights dropped down, and Sasami melted onto stage. Presenting a runway walk, commented on how slippery it was in her boots and “were gonna eat shit. But I'd eat anything for you, Minneapolis.”
A fellow Cancer crab, Sasami flowed into each song like a true professional after a seasoned tour. Knowing when to turn and how to move in the stage lights and the kiss of the wind machine making their hair move just right is exactly what should happen. Understandably, at the end of oodles of grueling weeks and months, the last show can be a drag on an artist and may not bring out the best. The opposite was true at Uptown. Engaging the audience with earnest interest and humor, alongside her trusty and equally as vigorous musician, drummer Diego Patino, the seven song set was hearty and satisfying. Made a brand new fan of this metalhead. Excited to dive into their catalog.
Uptown Theater should get more props being such a comfortable venue to see a show at. Not only do they have bars everywhere, but all the toilets are gender neutral bathrooms on both the basement and top floors so it's never a wait to go to the restroom. Also they have extra seating on the main level for people with disabilities or those who just need to sit down for a bit. The upstairs balcony seating has its own private bar, so if you desire even more privacy at a busy show, nice to have those options available for a few more clams. All the employees were very polite and accommodating, gold stars all around.
Oozing with finesse and charisma, the King Princess anticipation was giving the crowd a different flavor. Maybe it was finally being thawed from the cold weather, but things got hot and spicy fast. Slinking onto the stage, “Cherry” popped the setlist off perfectly as the first song. Of course the backdrop of the set was equally as fresh and neat as the act, blood red wall with scrawling graffiti and street art visuals (a cheeky Cherry character even could be spied.) In the middle of the first chunk of songs, sandwiched between “Pussy Is God” and “Cheap Queen,” King Princess has some fun interaction call-and-response game with themselves, us, and the drummer. Antoine Fadavi has of course impeccable timing, and was a quick and good sport with playing along. Apparently he is very popular with the ladies so we had to ask him politely to share his bounty. The squeals and screams from almost everyone in the crowd affirmed the need.
The sultry vocal stylings that King Princess possesses are so addicting and even after a full twenty songs, "RIP KP” being the ending tune, the audience needed more. Two more tracks to button up the night during the encore, King Princess’ job was done and completed with extra credit.
