Music fans in Minneapolis were treated to an intimate hour-long performance by mgk on March 14, 2024, at the Electric Fetus record store. The Cleveland rapper and singer, known for his energetic style and engaging performances, played to a crowd of 250 lucky attendees, while another 200 fans braved the rain outside in hopes of joining the musical experience.
Standing on a wooden stool and flanked by his five-man band, mgk opened the show with “Miss Sunshine.” As the song progressed, he encouraged the crowd to sing along, and the audience, clad in Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park shirts, responded enthusiastically. “That’s a 10 outta 10, my new friends,” he exclaimed, showcasing his trademark charisma.
A Shift from Arena Tours to Intimate Venues
At 35 years old, mgk is shifting his approach to live performances. Rather than traditional arena tours, he has embraced a series of pop-up concerts in record stores and clubs. Minneapolis marked the final stop of his Lost XX Road Trip Tour, which included four Midwestern cities. The free concert was announced just one week prior, with details revealed only hours before the show via email.
In addition to the performance, mgk autographed 300 copies of his latest album, “Lost Americana,” for sale following the show. Fans eagerly lined up to purchase the signed LPs, priced at $37.99.
Spontaneity and Fan Connection
Adding to the excitement, mgk surprised the crowd by stepping outside after the performance to film a social media video for the fans who had been watching through the store’s windows. Climbing atop his merchandise truck parked in front of the Electric Fetus, he delivered an impromptu performance that delighted those gathered outside.
The Electric Fetus, a 56-year-old institution known for hosting mini-concerts from artists like Gracie Abrams and Elvis Costello, prepared for this event for about a month. The show was a significant undertaking, as mgk brought his own security, management teams, road crew, and sound equipment to the venue.
Fans expressed their excitement and satisfaction after the concert. Nicole Freedman, a longtime supporter from Bloomington, shared her feelings: “I’ve been a fan since 2012 and he never ceases to amaze me.” Lori Lobdell, also from Bloomington, added, “It was intimate, personal.”
Garett Greeman of Chaska described the experience as “awesome,” noting that it exceeded his expectations because of how close he was to the stage. Brianna Gibson, positioned right in front of mgk, called the performance “epic,” saying, “You feel it in your soul. You couldn’t have a better experience.”
Dawn Novak, the marketing manager for Electric Fetus, reflected on the event, stating, “We expect the unexpected, and he delivered. My favorite thing in this job is watching artists connect with fans. There was no shortage of that today.”
The success of mgk’s intimate concert at Electric Fetus demonstrates the growing trend of artists seeking more personal connections with their audiences, proving that sometimes the most memorable performances happen outside the confines of traditional venues.
