Buffalo Traffic Jam Jams Out in Minneapolis

Tuesday night at 7th St Entry was a surprisingly captivating experience, starting with bluegrass and folk singer Elias Hix, who opened the evening with a set that felt pulled straight from the Appalachian mountains. He mentioned he’s actually studying bluegrass in school, something I didn’t realize you could major in, and once he started playing, it all clicked. His mastery of the strings and connection to songs passed down through generations gave his performance a timeless, rootsy feel. His voice reminded me a lot of Flipturn’s Dillon Basse, with an emotional warmth that’s hard to fake.

Some of his songs even had that haunting, story-rich tone that sounded like they came straight from The Hunger Games. If you know The Covey or the District 12 folk aesthetic, you know exactly the mood he created.

By the time Buffalo Traffic Jam took the stage, 7th St Entry had filled to the brim. And let me just say, a sold‑out show in that tiny venue is not for the claustrophobic. I spent a good chunk of the night staring at the back of the tallest guy in Minneapolis (or so it felt), thanks to my towering height of 5'1", and it definitely made the experience a bit more challenging. Still, once I focused on the music rather than the view I didn’t have, the night became a lot more enjoyable.

Buffalo Traffic Jam, led by Frankie Cassidy and Nathan Ross out of Bozeman, Montana, played with an energy that made it clear how thrilled they were to be headlining their first show outside of their home state. Cassidy’s voice carries a striking resemblance to Taylor Meier of Caamp, warm, raspy, and tailor‑made for folk storytelling.

Even though I only went in knowing two or three of their songs, their setlist was lively, familiar, and full of moments the crowd sang along to. Hearing my favorite, Can’t Let Go, was a highlight and made wading through the packed room totally worth it.

Despite the tight space and the obstructed views, the show itself was strong, heartfelt, and memorable, one of those nights where the crowd’s love for the band elevated everything. And if you missed it, you’ll get another chance soon. Buffalo Traffic Jam will be performing at the first-ever Country Club music festival on Harriet Island in downtown St. Paul this summer. With a bigger venue and more room to breathe, it might be the ideal setting to see them shine.