Sara surprised me on Valentine’s day with tickets to the Minneapolis stop of the Hotel Cafe Tour (to happen later, Monday March 31st).  The concert was downtown at the Fine Line Music Cafe.  Since it was general admission, we arrived when doors opened and secured a spot about 10 feet in front of the stage.  We were most excited for Ingrid Michaelson (recent album: Boys and Girls) and Dan Wilson (recent album: Free Life), but were pleasantly surprised by the rest of the lineup as well: Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin, and Meiko.  The concert was “untraditional” in that each performer would sing a few songs, then leave the stage, to be replaced by another performer in the lineup.  Each artist would cycle through a couple times, and mix it up by backing each other up (for example Ingrid would sing backup for Dan).  There was an emcee that announced each performer, and even played (with 2 others as well) as a support musician.  The emcee had a great personality and lots of enthusiasm.  The music was excellent, and all the artists were personable and friendly.  Some of my favorite moments were Ingrid’s cover of Creep by Radiohead, and Dan Wilson’s performance of Closing Time from his previous band Semisonic.  My pictures from the show are here.

For my birthday, Sara took me to dinner at Cafe Ena in Minneapolis.  Dinner was excellent and we recommend the restaurant.