Allen Stone Brings Heartfelt Soul to the Fillmore—with RIPE & Post Sex Nachos in Full Groove
Opening the night was Nashville’s Post Sex Nachos a group with a lively blend of classic pop, funk, and modern alt-rock that instantly set the tone for an electric evening. The five-piece—Mitch Broddon (lead guitar), Sammy Elfanbaum (rhythm guitar), Kevin Jerez (keyboards), Chase Mueller (bass), and Hunter Pendleton (drums)—bounded onto the stage like a shot of adrenaline.
I’ll admit: I didn’t realize they were part of the bill. The tour announcement read simply Ripe + Allen Stone, show at 6:55. But just before seven, the lights dimmed and an unexpectedly delightful group took the stage. It was a perfect surprise addition—warming up the audience with their dance-ready sound, heartfelt delivery, and infectious energy.
This wasn’t Post Sex Nachos’ first Twin Cities appearance; they previously played 7th Street Entry and received an enthusiastic welcome to the evening’s larger venue. Once described as a “once-in-a-generation boy band that makes you want to two-step and break out the roller skates,” the label suddenly felt accurate. Their set was pure fun—dance-inducing, high-energy, and left me wishing I already knew every lyric. I drove home with Post Sex Nachos on shuffle; if you’re new to them, start with “SOS” and “Supergirl.”
After a brief intermission, the second act, RIPE, stormed the stage in matching varsity jackets and an energy level that challenged the crowd to keep up. With ripping vocals, groove-heavy bass lines, and a horn section that tied everything together, RIPE delivered half jam-band spontaneity, half R&B groove machine. It was impossible not to move.
Frontman Robbie Wulfsohn led the room through two-stepping, sing-alongs, and hands-in-the-air release. If memory serves, they launched into “Letting Go,” from their latest album Play the Game, setting the tone for a set that pulled from new tracks and a few funk-infused covers that built instant rapport with the audience. The band played with each other—trading glances, riffs, and laughter—which is always a joy to witness as an audience member.
A highlight of the night arrived when Allen Stone himself joined RIPE on stage near the end of their set. They danced, hugged, traded vocal lines, and shared a moment of pure joy that the crowd devoured.
Another quick stage change, and it was time for the third and final act: Allen Stone.
Throughout the night, I chatted with long-time fans who spoke about favorite past shows and memories tied to Allen’s music. It became clear that this was a room full of people with years-deep devotion; a community built show by show. Having now seen Allen four times, I felt that sense of returning to a familiar, joyful place—one only a certain kind of artist can create.
Allen’s vocals were as strong as ever, his set still performed in the same original keys, hitting the notes with the same ease he had a decade ago when “Unaware” first put him on the map. His entire band wore intricately stitched and embroidered outfits—details like “Stone Family” down Allen’s pant leg and a trench coat dripping in tassels. And of course, Allen wore a perfectly funky hat, which he promised to award to whichever half of the crowd could dance and sing the loudest.
He opened the set by encouraging everyone to turn and shake hands with their neighbors—“so you won’t be strangers, and can dance freely with your new friends.” What followed was another round of two-stepping, a lesson in the “soul clap,” and a room full of people moving together with total abandon.
Spanning themes of fresh love, heartbreak, and a little righteous push-and-pull with authority, Allen’s discography welcomed every emotion—and the audience gladly followed him through all of it. The set list was packed with favorites like ‘Sweet Little Rainbows,’ ‘Give You Blue,’ ‘Brown Eyed Lover’, ‘Is this Love,’ and many more.
What struck me most, though, was the sheer generosity of Allen’s performance — not just in vocals, but in presence. Every run, every grin, every moment of eye contact felt like he was giving the audience a little piece of himself. His band matched him beat for beat, a tight-knit unit of musicians who clearly play with both precision and joy. Solos landed like small fireworks; harmonies shimmered; grooves locked in with effortless chemistry. Allen Stone is the kind of artist who doesn’t just perform a show, he creates an experience, a memory you feel lucky to have witnessed. Walking out into the cold Minneapolis night, it was hard not to feel a little warmer for having been there.
