The New Standards Tickets

Fun group, fun event, new holiday tradition....just got a note that my text is too short...so much for minimalism and getting to the point.

Compared to the many previous times I've attended the Holiday show, this event was poorly structured. It seemed chaotic and unorganized, without the smart transitions that generally characterize these things. It basically banked on you having seen the show before and "getting it".

Poor guest selection, where ws Gary Louris, Haley Bonner, Jeremy Messersmith? Horrible language by some of the guests, especially for a Holiday show! And with children in the audience. Won't be back !

Never cease to amaze! Those guys glow of incredible talent. John Munson is my favorite host, not to mention he rocks. All three guys are a blast. Love the guest theme, surprise after surprise.

Year after year a great show. You never know what you will be seeing other than a night of great local entertainment.

This show is full of energy; however, the seating is cramped and the flashing light show is blinding in the balcony area. We expected more traditional Christmas music. The excerpt performed by MN Orchestra musicians was a welcome break from the blaring ear piercing noise of much of the show. Furthermore, we found the vulgarity to be offensive, and the repartee to fall flat. We believe such a talented ensemble can do better.

It was a wonderful evening with a wide variety of music and artists. It was a great way to bring on the holiday season.

So entertaining. Lively, fun and energetic. What a great way to start the holiday season. These guys are awesome.

In their zeal to touch on every musical genre and age group the trio has forgotten why fans come to this event. If you look at the 50 somethings in the crowd they are not looking for a token Rap song or French Vaudeville number, most would like to relive their MN musical roots with a dash of holiday cheer. Not one Burbs song, one Trip song, Matt sang an unknown number? It might not be cool but the holidays are a nostalgic time, take us back to the 80's give us what we want. Love is the Law, Toolmaster and some holiday cheer.

Great music, great laughs and a wonderful venue - we'll make it an annual treat for us.

If I want a gab, love fest, it will be with those I love. I go to music events for entertainment and that is why I have gone to this show for 6 years in a row. I thought last year's show was perhaps an anomaly and that this year's show would be back to the New Standards excellence. WRONG! It appears they are resting on their laurels and just dial the show in. I will not be purchasing tickets for the first time in 7 years next year. Thanks for 5 years of joy in music and the xmas season.

I look forward to this every year, but this year's show didn't compare to previous shows. I don't know if I would go so far as to say they were phoning it in, but close to it. I can remember favorite moments from years ago (trapeze artist, Dessa reference to Carrie Underwood in Sound of Music, thought-provoking poetry . . .I could go on but that's the idea). I don't think there is anything I will remember 2 months from now about this year's show - I was never moved. With the exception of Jeremy Messersmith it seems like most of the repeat artists were better in previous years. Also disappointed that Matt Wilson wasn't there for "Snow Days". Last year I was wishing I had tickets for both nights . Was ready to hit the road this year.

We weren't quite sure what to expect, but were blown away by the fun, variety and talent. We enjoyed seeing the special guests that we're familiar with from listening to The Current. This was a spontaneous event for us to attend since we purchased our tickets the day before. Next year we'll buy them when they first go on sale.

Hopefully, this was not a 'new standard' for The New Standards. This show was not up to the high standards set at previous NS Holiday shows I have seen. There just didn't seem to be the spontaneity I saw/felt at previous NS shows. Several parts felt forced almost as if the show was getting too familiar for them. LOTS OF TALK-NOT ENOUGH MUSIC. Example: Explaining how the show was being recorded and then proceeding to drop several FBombs and GD's. Really? Even the FBombs felt forced. However, this did not detract from the outstanding musicianship displayed by the NS and their guests (Nellie McKay in particular). One last beef, having backlighting is an awful idea! Lights were shooting from the back of the stage straight into the audience (esp balcony) that at times made it impossible to see the performers. I love the boys but not every year can be a 10. Can't wait until next Dec.

Oh boy, where do I start? This show is not worth $60 a ticket in my opinion. I wish I had stayed home. If they want to keep this going, I'd suggest that they hire writers and a director, or fire the ones they have & hire John Moe or whatever group writes for Wits. The banter between John & Chan was painful to listen to. It would be much better if it didn't seem to be a show that was thrown together haphazardly in their spare time. It was extremely scattered & didn't feel "Holiday themed" to say the least. Don't get me wrong, there were two artists that performed this year that stood out above the rest: Chris Koza and Jeremy Messersmith were great. Steve Roehm (dude on the vibraphone) was impressive, too. The other guests were decent, but because the show lacked direction and flow, many of them just felt ushered on & off the stage quickly for no good reason. We left when the random disco dancing started... People in our city have more taste than this, we should demand better from our talented local artists.

It was your typical holiday concert I've gone to for a few years now, warm fuzzies, talented performers, memorable songs, light - some slightly adult humor. But when it came to the most favored song, "Sunday Morning Coming Down", it was a flop, at least in the staging department for Friday Nights performance. Layers of fake snow normally come falling down covering the stage and performers during this nostalgic closing song. Quite a nice touch. But Friday night it was barely a misting. The new huge electronic stage light wreath was wowyzowie.

Fast paced, fun. We had a great time. Some very talented people entertained us Friday!

First time event for the five of us and we all enjoyed it immensely! The surprise guests were wonderful and the music mix was a delight. Definitely hoping to make this an annual holiday event going forward!

Each year this seems to lose more of its cohesiveness. Fewer and fewer MN ties and amazing performances are replaced with fair video clips. It also went on for 2.5 hours.

We attended last year and such a great time we invited friends along with us. They loved it too.