The highlight of every Keller Williams concert is when he goes solo off into an improvisation that layers guitar licks over a’capella notes over finger snaps, etc… using a loop pedal to become a one man band without some cumbersome contraption that requires every limb and tooth to play.

Aaron “Heatbox” Heaton intends to get to the good stuff for an entire performance. Using only a microphone, a pedal, and his acrobatic voice, Heatbox always drops a little bit of everything from funk to barbershop quartet. He recognizes the melodies and harmonies of internationally known groups such as The Nylons (and even covering them), while expanding upon the possibilities of a novelty genre.

The performances I’ve seen were each unique; he played (or “tried”) songs according to how he was feeling, and it didn’t appear he could go wrong. Audience members last November found themselves being asked for a Jack and Coke as part of a song’s chorus, to which too many complied. Unpredictable as he is, Heaton sucked down the three or four drinks in succession without missing a beat.

The only guarantee at a Heatbox show is that people will move. Later in the same show, Heatbox decided to start a dance contest, as we all were in the mood. One of the contestants, unsatisfied with her mere fifteen minutes of fame, refused to leave the stage. This allowed Heatbox a chance to interact with the Stones Throw’s security as well. Of course, he played it off well. I’m sure such things are regular occurrences where he performs.

Luckily, Heatbox is easy to experience and worthy of return. He frequents the Chippewa Valley from his home in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, most of Heatbox’s summer tour is reserved for states West of the Mississippi, but it is definitely worth the drive.

Upcoming nearby shows
July 3rd - Downtime Bar - Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 14th – “Rock the Boat”, Harriet Island @ Paddelford River Boats – St. Paul, MN

Check out this video of a performance in Geneva, MN