It’s not often or even intentional that Sugar Buzz puts three full shows in a row on a given week. This was the exception. Mainstreet Bar & Grill is generous in scheduling far in advance so we may plan around our performances there. It’s always a great crowd, even on slower nights. People want to…
It’s a tradition in Brainerd, MN. Every year at Shep’s on 6th, there is a weekend devoted to the selection of the next GRAND ELBOW at the ELBOW CONVENTION. The weekend is filled with music, and Sugar Buzz was chosen to headline the last night of festivities. It’s tricky with outdoor shows, as the weather…
It was the first time this Minnesota cover band played at the Wayzata Depot as a part of the Wayzata Rotary Club summer event schedule. The air over the lake was still hazy from Canadian wildfire smoke, but there was a nice breeze and temps were in the upper 70s, so many brought their lawnchairs…
When you’re a Minnesota cover band, you tend to make your summertime gigs outdoors. The vibe is great – the people are happy, the days are longer. With that comes risk: The weather. Storms, heat and extremes of all kinds are the norm in the Midwest. The kickoff City of Pequot Lakes monthly concert series…
Once in a while, the stars align. As a Minnesota cover band, you sometimes get lesser than optimal attendance at an indoor venue during the summer- particularly when the weather is nice. Sugar Buzz had taken a much-needed 7+week break to vacation, learn material, up our equipment game. The show at Mainstreet Bar and Grill…
The Blues Saloon is new to our event calendar. It only hosts our type of music on Fridays and only from 6:00 to 9:30pm as there are DJ’s and other acts following. We are fairly certain we are the only type of variety Minneapolis cover band that they have on their schedule. When one looks…
Every venue has a special vibe and feel unto itself. When Route 47 Pub And Grub is on our event schedule, we know we are in for a treat. It boasts a sprawling stage and professional production that has often hosted national acts. That gives us that extra adrenaline when performing there as a Minnesota…
It sometimes happens, and you always roll with it. That’s the magic about being in a Minnesota cover band. We were back at a venue that we would play about 1x yearly and it’s always a different adventure each time. Once or twice there were snowstorms, or some other debacle. Nothing of the sort was…
Any show in the month of March can be a bit tricky for a Minnesota cover band. When these come up in our event schedule, it could be blizzard conditions, rain, sleet, anything really. This time was different . 74 degrees and sunny. Strange indeed, which made the night a hot one in the literal…
We always look forward to playing Bogart’s Entertainment Center when it comes up on our Minnesota cover band event schedule. It’s a spacious, classy room. It boasts a 3-tiered stage, fantastic new lighting and a staff and management team that know and appreciate live music. Sugar Buzz had a lot on the line with this…
It was a first for us: a super cold night in Hudson, Wisconsin. We typically try to stay away from distant shows in the winter, but the owner of the EMPOURIUM enticed us with a stellar appreciation of what bands need (and amplified both the stage and lights), so we decided to put it in…
This Minnesota cover band has played the Everett-McClay Bloomington VFW before. They have been expanding their music program to an impressive degree, and had lots of well-known bands grace their stage in the front bar area. But after a couple near fire code breaking attendances, it was suggested we try “the event center” in the…
Mainstreet Bar and Grill in Hopkins was up next on our event schedule, and we were excited to play in this cozy, yet expansive and well-known entertainment establishment. Every table and half the barstools were taken by the time we started. The dancefloor slowly came to life mid first set. After all, it was the…
It’s always a treat when Route 47 Pub & Grub comes up on the event calendar. It’s a huge stage. Paul and Beth are frequenters of their OPEN MIC jam on Thursdays, so it feels like a home away from home. We could tell by the first beat drop that it was going to be…
It was our first time this venue popped up on our event calendar. It was a Blues Saloon that was looking to expand their musical offerings beyond the blues, and they reached out to see if Sugar Buzz could be one of those bands. We were hesitant initially, but the venue was on the east…
This Minnesota cover band is pretty good about putting together an event schedule that is complementary to situations where we get the best draws for our venues. We attempt to schedule shows NOT in close proximity to our other events, or any other show that may pull the crowd away. We do this even knowing…
We found our rhythm again after band member Dale had to miss 2 shows due to some family time off. It felt good being a group again at one of our regular haunts, Mainstreet Bar & Grill in Hopkins. There’s always a crowd ready to dance, and although Halloween was the following Thursday, we donned…
When you’re hired by the Minnesota Vikings to be the band that plays on the Plaza at US Bank Stadium on game day, you know it’s a special event on your calendar. It’s a privilege that not many Minnesota cover bands get to claim on their resumes. Today was Vikings vs Detroit in the much-anticipated game…
It’s always great to see Route 47 Pub & Grub on our schedule of upcoming events. It’s one of the best stages in the Twin Cities, with exemplary sound and light techs and a large space to fill. That’s also the part that makes us fret a bit – it’s a large space to fill. …
We had taken an unusual amount of time off for this Minnesota cover band after a flurry of shows. Singer Beth was getting married, and some of the guys were attending to other projects and vacations. So, when we got back on stage – there was a lot on the line! Bassist Dale had some…
Sometimes it’s hard to get a foot in the door when you’re a band that books their own shows. Many places defer to agent – represented bands to fill their music programs. Over the years this Minnesota cover band has built a good reputation, so we’ve gathered some pretty impressive shows to date on our…
Festivals all come at once. It’s the busy season for this Minnesota cover band! Fortunately for this week, it was two local festivals on opposite sides of the metro. Chaska River City Days wasn’t new to us. It was our second year there, but first time we’ve played on the Friday. Don, Billie and crew…
It’s Moondance Jam, and it’s a special time of year for this Minnesota cover band. This is our 13th year performing at this annual festival. Although this was slimmed down to regional acts only, Sugar Buzz was honored to be chosen as one of those acts to perform. The weather is warm and sunny. The…
It was this Minnesota cover band’s first time playing the City of Burnsville’s “Party on the Plaza”. We weren’t sure what to expect, but were greeted by beautiful weather, a plethora of food trucks, and a well-thought-out seating and viewing area / stage area in a beautiful park. There were water-oriented areas to cool off…
Typically, when one is the highlighted act for a small-town festival that draws thousands, you expect to be sort of a one and done thing. You play one year maybe take a few years off and come back. Keep it fresh. However, we were fortunate enough to headline our third consecutive year at Nisswa Freedom…
Sometimes, a Minnesota cover band gets that once in a lifetime chance – opening for a touring national act. HAIRBALL is a Minnesota-grown national cover band complete with costume changes, 3 rotating singers, a massive drum riser and pyrotechnics. When we had the opportunity to open for them (brokered through the venue by a friend)…
Sometimes things happen where a band is thrown off their rhythm for a bit. This Minnesota cover band is no different. Beth caught a nasty virus that rendered her voice unusable and more devastatingly, our bassist’s beautiful wife passed away after a long battle with cancer. We had to cancel a show and really gather…
Bogart’s Entertainment Center has always been very good to this Minnesota cover band. The sound engineer, Dave, is a joy to work with and he often publicly states we are his “favorite band” to mix. Bogart’s is also a venue that promotes live music on social media, and we so appreciate the extra effort that…
As a Minnesota cover band: Roll with the Changes is not just a song we perform, it’s a way we are required to operate. We learn, experiment, adjust, sometimes on our own prompting, sometimes due to necessity. But, we always learn and grow. The Dog House in Maplewood is a fantastic venue : great stage…
Route 47 has become like a “home of the north metro” for Sugar Buzz. Beth and Paul are frequenters of their weekly open mic series and have befriended many open mic attendees for years now. So, when we saw the social media “going” numbers, we knew it would be a big show. What we didn’t…
The confluence of events was amazing: It was our first St. Paddy’s playing Mainstreet Bar & Grill- a venue we’ve always loved and are always able to draw a great crowd here. Singer Beth and bassist Dale were coming off another show the night before in a different band. Lead guitarist Henry had broken his…
It’s hard to remember when it was… March 31, 2023? It was a show at Shakopee Bowl that we nearly canceled the day of, as there was a big storm looming. Sometimes the forecasters are wrong, but not this time. That was the show where we barely made it home. People came out, but left…
There’s a synergy between the location, and your history with the locals that creates the mood for the night. This Minnesota cover band could easily tell by 30 minutes to showtime it was going to be very busy. People were in great spirits, there was an extra bar set up in the corner as we…
Bogart’s Entertainment Center is a venue we love to play: very classy atmosphere, 3-level spacious stage, new lighting, a green room, and a house sound person who calls this Minnesota cover band “his favorite band to mix” The ingredients were there for a fun evening. The room was full excepting 3 tables. This venue is…
Bands tend to evolve over time. Especially those that have a longer history of existence. As a Minnesota cover band, Sugar Buzz boasts more than 10 years as a band, with the current lineup together a solid 3 years. The smartest moves we make are when we continue to study what works and what doesn’t,…
Some places feel like home. Warm, familiar, and you know everyone. At least 2 band members frequent Route 47 nearly every Thursday for an open mic night, so walking into the green room, loading onstage, and the hellos to all the regulars felt automatic. There was supposed to be a snowstorm. It didn’t materialize –…
Twas a few nights before Christmas and at the DOG HOUSE All us creatures were stirring including the mouse We wore our fun headbands and holiday gear And told all the patrons to tip for the beer! The sound man was brilliant, and took extra care To make sure all of the music…
We had not played Neisen’s in at least 6 months. That’s a long time in band life to require one get re-acquainted with the venue, the owner, and the local crowd. On top of that, it seemed that every notable Minnesota cover band was playing locally that evening, which meant it’s a competition for live…
Our Minnesota cover band plays at all sorts of clubs around the Minneapolis metro area, as well as festivals in greater Minnesota. Many ingredients make the cake for us for a particular show: stage, lighting, sound, venue ambience, menu. It’s not solely the band and what they can produce. Bogart’s Entertainment Center was busy…
“Vietnam Vets Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club” is a group we’ve partnered with in the past. Their charitable cause they support is called Operation Zero. It’s a cause that puts together programs to help eliminate veteran suicides. When they asked us to partner again on Veteran’s Day, we jumped at the chance. Of course that meant…
Sugar Buzz has had the honor of playing US BANK Stadium Plaza prior to Minnesota Vikings football games in the past. We considered it a wonderful privilege, even if it was outdoors in December. That’s the fortitude we Minnesota cover bands display. But—this one is different. It’s October, the weather is mild with no wind,…
This was our first time at the Everett-McClay VFW in Bloomington. It’s been a long time since this Minnesota cover band has played inside any VFW or American Legion type venue, but this one boasted a big music program, great crowd and location. They’d been courting us a while, and after making the stage large…
As a Minnesota cover band, we play all sorts of events. We are mostly a nightclub act, but we often play festivals and large-run fundraisers for causes. Sugar Buzz recently had the opportunity to play Tapped and Uncorked, a beer, spirits, and wine tasting event that raises money for the Roseville, Minnesota parks system. So,…
Mainstreet Bar & Grill is a venue we’ve played numerous times. Every time the crowd is there for us. This time was no different. Jamison was our relatively new sound tech and couldn’t have been more attentive and courteous. By the way, attentive is THE thing you want from a sound person as everyone in…
Mid-week is a weird time for a show, but we arrived in Menahga, MN and the beginning of band vacation weekend. We actually had two festivals to perform in the area, and this Minnesota cover band was going to make the most of the beautiful weather and festival atmosphere. Mid Summer Music Fest was in…
Nisswa Freedom Days had us back for a second year, and it’s a treat for any Minnesota Cover Band to play such a large street festival. Attendance was fantastic with revelers as far as we could see from the stage. First a parade, then singer Beth had the honor or performing the National Anthem just…
It’s a beautiful night in the summer. That always makes a Minnesota cover band nervous when they’re playing indoors. Will the fans come? Fortunately, yes. Although the first 20 minutes or so was lightly attended, the crowd picks up and we are grateful. Many musicians from local bands who have the night off are there:…
It had been a while since we played onstage, as our band members had vacations and such, but we were excited to debut 2 new songs to the lineup. Our faithful followers would like anything we performed, as long as we brought our best efforts, but we know that people like to experience NEW sounds…
Playing a venue for the first time is always nerve-racking. There are expectations to get your followers there and unknowns of how management, stage, and sound operate. Will the regulars be welcoming? The Dog House Bar & Grill was built for live music, so the expectations were high. For a debut we arrive extra…
6:30pm. It’s raining. Hard. And there’s a blizzard warning in effect beginning….sometime in the evening? Most of the band is onsite setting up for an 8:30pm start. Many of the faithful are already putting the brakes on the evening. “sorry, we decided to stay home in case it gets worse. We see sleet already.” …
We love when a place hums with the din of conversation and excitement before a show. The tables are full already. People are eating, talking, laughing, and waiting for the music to start. That’s our first job – pack the house and make sure they support the venue. Now our next job begins. With a…
We love playing at Mainstreet Bar and Grill. It’s a great spot for us, with a built-in crowd mixed in with our own fans, all gathered at a centrally located stalwart of the local music scene that always has the top Minnesota cover bands on the calendar. Our sound guy, Joe, recently purchased an EGO…
It’s Neisen’s Sports Bar & Grill in Savage, Minnesota. It’s 7pm and all the tables are already full. We haven’t even started soundcheck yet. That adds a bit of anticipatory “excitement” for the band. We know it’s going to be a fun night. It’s always fun when people make the time to come early and…
We knew the zero degree weather would keep some of the regulars at home, but when a guy named Darren dressed in a Sugar Buzz camp shirt sends up the first round of drinks to the band, you know the hard core are ready to party. The dance floor welcomes it’s first dancers almost…
On January 27th, we took the stage at Bogart’s Entertainment Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The excitement was palpable before the show even started, with a packed house and fans eagerly waiting to dance the night away. We spy a full house and talk to several of our Sugar Buzz faithful and chat with people…
As a Minnesota cover band, we have the privilege of entertaining audiences night after night and bringing joy to people through the power of music. But what truly makes our job special is the connection we have with our fans! From the moment we step on stage, we can feel the energy of the…
When it comes to finding a great cover band in Minnesota, there are a few key factors to consider. A really good cover band should be able to captivate audiences with their setlist, entertain with their stage presence, and provide a memorable experience for all in attendance. In this post, we’ll explore what makes a…