The Pretenders, Cloud Cult, and more

Fine Line Music Cafe

It's hard to say what's more surprising about Marcy Playground: the fact that this band is still rocking 12 years after its radio hit, "Sex and Candy," was overplayed into oblivion, or the fact that it turns out lead singer John Wozniak is a Minnesota native, and that he named his band after the Marcy Open grade school in Minneapolis. Who knew? The band is currently touring in support of its fourth studio album, Leaving Wonderland...in a Fit of Rage, and the songs show a significant growth from the "Sex and Candy" years (although one song, "Gin and Money," seems to play on their previous hit's theme). Songs shuffle along in a fairly typical folk-rock format, but the lyrics are more personal than one would expect from such a radio-friendly group, at times veering into something resembling soul music. With Stealing Seconds. 18+. $15/$18 at the door. 8 p.m. 318 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612.338.8100. —Andrea Swensson

SUNDAY 8.23

Cloud Cult

Cody York

Cloud Cult prepare for their last gig of '09

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More About

• Craig Minowa
• Cloud Cult
• Chrissie Hynde
• Dream Theater
• Aaron Neville

Cabooze

It's been another busy year for Cloud Cult. This summer alone, the band toured, played large-scale festivals like Coachella and 10,000 Lakes, and released their first tour documentary, No One Said It Would Be Easy. So it's no wonder that they're having trouble slowing down—Sunday's show at the Cabooze is being billed as their last live show in 2009, as lead singer Craig Minowa and his wife, Connie (who can often be seen live-painting on stage during their performances), are expecting a baby this October. The band will be on hiatus until spring, but before they take a break they just had to cram in a few more performances; in addition to Sunday's show, Craig Minowa will take over the Current this Thursday, August 20, for an episode of Theft of the Dial, in which Minowa will spin songs and act as a guest DJ. Cloud Cult will be joined at the Cabooze by Halloween, Alaska and the Daredevil Christopher Wright. 18+. $20/$22 at the door. 4 p.m. 917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612.338.6425. —Andrea Swensson