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Live: QUINN XCII & CHELSEA CUTLER // The Armory, Minneapolis, MN

Co-headliners and frequent collaborators Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler put on a spectacular show for their dedicated fans last week.

The show took place at the Armory in Minneapolis, a venue perfectly suited for the duo’s large Minnesota fanbase. The night marked a full circle moment, as Chelsea Cutler’s last headlining tour date before the touring industry shutdown in 2020 took place across town at First Avenue on March 12th. Many in attendance were at that last show, making this one even sweeter with the addition of equally talented Quinn XCII.

Opener Tai Verdes warmed up the crowd with a short and sweet set. The young artist rose to fame after his single Stuck In The Middle became popular on TikTok. 2021 saw the release of his wildly successful debut album TV. This whirlwind rise allowed for him to play his first ever live show last month – at Lollapalooza. Despite having limited live show and touring experience under his belt, Verdes was able to build a genuine connection with the first few rows of fans, translating to an amazing opening set.

Tai Verdes - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021

Chelsea Cutler took to the stage next, delivering an impeccable blend of both new and old songs. Just before her Minneapolis performance, Cutler had announced her sophomore LP, When I Close My Eyes, due for release in October of this year. Remarking on the energy in the room on a Tuesday night, Cutler did an excellent job of grabbing attention and building a wonderful show for her fans.

Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Chelsea Cutler - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021

When Quinn XCII (stage name of singer-songwriter Mikael Temrowski) finally appeared, the roars from the crowd were overwhelming. Quinn floated from song to song, smiling all the while. He drew special attention to his touring bandmates, joking with newest member and bassist ​​Philip Chuah about his sixth show with the group. Hearing songs off of Quinn’s fourth studio album Change Of Scenery II was a treat, but longtime fans were also happy to hear songs like Another Day In Paradise off of Quinn’s 2015 EP Change Of Scenery.

Ending the night with a multi-song encore, Quinn XCII brought Cutler back onstage for a stunning rendition of her newest single Calling All Angels, and Cutler even led the crowd in an impressive singalong. Finally, the pair ended the night with their 2020 single Stay Next To Me. Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler truly have a once in a lifetime working friendship. Quoted from a recent Instagram post, Cutler said, “this is what making music with your best friends looks like.” It is plain to see from the cohesion of this tour and the generation of hit song after hit song that Quinn and Cutler have found something magical.

Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021 Quinn XCII - Armory Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2021

Photos: Morgan Winston