The Highway Knows Minneapolis
On a warm fall Friday night in Minneapolis, the Varsity Theater buzzed with anticipation as Molly Tuttle brought her The Highway Knows Tour to town. Known for her masterful guitar work, Tuttle delivered a performance that felt both intimate and electrifying, reaffirming why she’s one of the most celebrated artists in modern Americana and bluegrass.
The evening began with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Cecilia Castleman, whose set showcased her poetic vulnerability and pop-Americana sensibility. Her warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics set a reflective tone, drawing the crowd in with songs from her self-titled debut album. Following her, Joshua Ray Walker shifted gears with his honky-tonk-infused country sound, blending humor and grit. His storytelling and soulful delivery earned plenty of cheers, priming the audience for the main event.
When Molly Tuttle stepped into the spotlight, the energy in the room started flowing. Backed by her band, she opened with tracks from her latest album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, a bold departure that mixes pop, country, and rock influences while keeping her signature flat-picking front and center. Songs like “Everything Burns” and “The Highway Knows” highlighted her lyrical depth and technical mastery, while fan favorites such as “Crooked Tree” and “Take the Journey” paid homage to her bluegrass roots.
Tuttle’s guitar work was dazzling—fluid runs, crisp articulation, and inventive phrasing that left jaws dropped. Between songs, she shared anecdotes about life on the road and the creative process behind her new record, creating a sense of connection that made the Varsity Theater feel like a living room jam session.
The Varsity’s cozy, art-deco vibe complemented the evening perfectly. With a capacity of around 900, the venue offered an intimate setting where every note resonated. The crowd was engaged and enthusiastic, singing along to choruses and erupting in applause after each solo. It was clear that Tuttle’s ability to bridge tradition and innovation resonates deeply with her fans.
Molly Tuttle’s Minneapolis stop was more than a concert—it was a masterclass in musicianship and authenticity. From Castleman’s tender opening to Walker’s rollicking set and Tuttle’s genre-defying brilliance, the night celebrated the evolving landscape of Americana music. If The Highway Knows Tour is passing through your city, don’t miss it—you’ll witness an artist at the peak of her creative powers.
