The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis transformed into a sanctuary of sound and storytelling Thursday as indie-folk-rock artist Kaitlin Cassady celebrated the release of her sophomore album, “North Star.”
The evening featured opening sets by Emmy Woods and Lexie Modica, two rising voices whose lyrical honesty and genre-bending styles perfectly complemented Cassady’s own. The show was a true expedition into vulnerability, community and musical craftsmanship.
Cassady, a Minneapolis native with a growing presence, has carved out a distinct space in the indie-folk landscape. Her music blends thoughtful lyrics, rich harmonies and complex arrangements, drawing from artists like Aimee Mann, Phoebe Bridgers, Carole King and Brian Wilson.
“North Star” builds on the emotional terrain of her 2024 debut “Home Away From Home” but in a more expansive way, thanks in part to her self-taught mastery of piano. She also continues to make her vocal arrangements more layered and detailed.
Despite battling laryngitis, Cassady’s performance was deeply moving. Her voice, though strained, carried the emotional weight of each song with grace.
At one point, she paused mid-set, unsure what to do with a used tissue, and her mother emerged from the audience to take it from her. This moment of light-hearted care underscored the familial warmth surrounding the show.
“Even if I’m almost too sick to perform, I’m still going to try,” Cassady said. “People are here for the honesty of the music.”
Cassady’s set included dedications to her son, Beau, her mother and the victims of the Annunciation School shooting, an act of remembrance that added depth to her already poignant lyrics. Her song “Lost Ones,” originally written about her mother’s experience with stillbirth, was repurposed to honor the recent local tragedy.
“I just wanted to pay respects,” Cassady said. “And I thought that was a good song to dedicate to them.”
The Cedar Cultural Center proved to be an ideal venue for the evening. Known for its acoustics and community-centered spirit, the space amplified the intimacy of the performances.
“Kaitlin was absolutely honored to perform there,” said Cassady’s sister Anabel, who attended the show. “The tech crew did an incredible job with the sound and lighting, and the staff were so accommodating and kind.”
Opening acts Emmy Woods and Lexie Modica brought their own flavors of vulnerability and charm.
Woods, with her raspy vocals and blues-inflected folk style, captivated the audience despite joking about being too awkward to banter between songs. Her band added character and color, with one member wearing red, heart-shaped sunglasses throughout the set.
Modica, though maybe a bit less polished, held the stage with confidence, weaving in playful anecdotes between songs and offering a strong queer perspective through her lyrics.
Cassady’s reunion with former bandmates Shane Harrell and Thad Polk, whom she hadn’t performed with since 2019, added another layer of emotional resonance. Though they all live in different states and life commitments abound, Cassady said she hopes to collaborate with them again in the future.
“It felt like riding a bike,” Cassady said. “We hadn’t played the new songs together before, but it was magical.”
As for what’s next, Cassady is writing her third album. She has an album’s worth of songs, but feels some are unworthy.
“I record everything myself,” Cassady said. “My dad’s an audio technician, and he taught me how to use Logic during the pandemic. I’m particular about how I want the albums to sound.”
Ultimately, “North Star” is a testament to Cassady’s growth, not just as a musician but as a storyteller. The audience’s quiet attentiveness was a reminder that music, at its best, is not just heard, it’s felt.
“I just want to connect,” Cassady said. “If someone can relate to any part of a song, even just a little bit, I’ll feel good about that.
