Saxsquatch + Disco Demon Party At Skyway!
Sleepy Sunday? Absolutely not.
SO many shows popping off this late summer and early fall in the Twin Cities, no day is safe from at least 20 things going on. Little did I know how jubilant Studio B would get with just two acts. Made my way to downtown Minneapolis, got there a touch early so popped by the Depot on 7th for a beer before making my way over to Skyway. Took the light rail again due to so many shows happening at the same time, nice calm way to get into the city even if a bit slower than driving.
Even before doors cracked open at 7pm, folks were waiting outside the venue hanging out and taking photos of the Skyway sign, emblazoned with SAXSQUATCH proudly. Took a few photos of some fans with their phones since the selfie was hard to secure with the entire facade of the club in the back and got to chatting. Not there first time seeing the ‘Squatch, regaled tales of the last show they were at. How fun and light the atmosphere was, and how welcoming the fanbase and community is. I can assure you, that is incredibly accurate. Even the security guards were chatting up people about the previous show, also at Studio B, and how much of a blast it was.
Music didn’t start til after 8, which was slightly awkward with how many people were already in the venue. Finally about 7:45pm someone put of a few tunes so it wasn’t just whispers echoing around us. Disco Demon was first up to open the night, bringing in the relaxed and chill mood everyone was ready to envelope themselves in. No obnoxious airhorns needed, DD spun in the gentle lights a mix of mostly female singers. Blending them velvety smooth into each other, the timid audience finally warmed up a dozen or so minutes into her set. A few people peppered in by the front, watching her work and sway to the music. About halfway through her 45 minute stead, almost the entire floor was filled with happy faces. A few neat glowy outfits, LED props, fans, and even a unicorn, swirled and vibrated in the rainbow lights. Loved Disco Demons ability to read the crowd, especially with a more unsure group unfamiliar with their work. Sometimes you need to just let your brain absorb some sweet techno beats and unclench your jaw.
The fog machine was rolling at full force, filling the room with moody mood. Right away we were launched into “Get Saxy,” which ignited the audience with joy. It is impossible to not dance to Saxsquatch. The concoction of familiar hits and his badass sax abilities are so wild and freeing. Thanking the crowd for coming out and supporting his love of performing a few times throughout the set, it seemed like he was just as happy to be there as his fans were. The covers just kept getting better throughout the night. Some hot tracks and covers included “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, a seasonal twist on “September” by Earth, Wind, And Fire, and even the beloved Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Love being Rick Rolled at a show.
Whether it was during the bubble machine or jiving along with the glowstick-clad rave dancers in the audience, not sure when I just started singing and enjoying myself without care. Like so many, it can be hard just to let go and allow yourself to truly just absorb moments. Seems like those moments are becoming more and more rare, but they don’t have to be. Though we are monitored and recorded and quantified at every turn, in the dark of a club surrounded by like-minded positive thinking people, that goes to the backburner of our mind and we can just exhale. What a fun night, definitely made a lifelong fan out of me.
Glad I got to finally see Saxsquatch do what he does best; play some bad ass sax and make people smile from ear to ear.
