Dead Larry at the Turf Club

Dead Larry at the Turf Club — St. Paul, MN

Dead Larry brought a high-energy, anything-can-happen kind of set to the Turf Club, and the crowd was absolutely along for the ride. Their sound lives somewhere between rock, dance, and funk—jumping from gritty, groove-driven moments to big hooks and full-throttle chaos—without ever feeling scattered.

If you had to sum it up, it’s loud, kinetic music built to move people. Tight rhythms, big harmonies, and moments that swing from playful to ferocious in the same song. Whatever corner of their sound they leaned into, the room leaned right back.

The show itself was strong from the jump, with the crowd clearly locked in and feeding off the band’s momentum. The “nutty professor” on keys definitely held the line but the bass player was my personal star of the night. His energy and zaniness kept me entertained all by himself. But by the end of the night, the Turf Club felt energized in that slightly sweaty, end-of-the-set way that lets you know it worked.

One moment worth admitting—because it’s too good not to—came during setup. I walked up to who I thought was the guitarist to mention he was setting up in a very dark corner of the stage and, if possible, to take a step closer to center when he saw me shooting. The guy looked completely confused. Realizing I was adding stress in the middle of pre-show chaos, I quickly bailed with a “never mind—have a great show.”

Turns out… that wasn’t the guitarist. That was the sound guy. Also the lighting guy!

And somehow, the lighting for Dead Larry ended up noticeably brighter. I’d never want to be that person, but I guess things worked out in the end.

All around, a fun, high-energy set from a band that knows how to keep a room engaged—and a reminder that sometimes even awkward moments become part of the night.