The Midbros Bring Unpredictable Rock Energy to Inn Kahoots

Some nights are more than just live music. Some nights are about history, friendship, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from decades of playing together. That was exactly the case when The Midbros took the stage at Inn Kahoots in Hamel, Minnesota for a last-minute performance that felt anything but thrown together.

For me, this show hit differently. I’ve known drummer James for over 25 years. We’ve been playing music together since around 1998, long before life, careers, and families filled our schedules. In fact, his wife played a huge role in my own life, introducing me to my wife because they were childhood best friends. James and I have shared countless rehearsals, gigs, and late-night jam sessions over the years, so seeing him on stage still feels like watching family do what they love best. Add Jared, who James has been playing with since their college band days, and you immediately get a sense of how deep the musical connection runs.

Jared is one of those rare musicians who seems capable of playing absolutely anything. Throw out a random song title, and somehow he can launch right into it like he’s been rehearsing it for weeks. For guys like me who need a few run-throughs to lock things in, playing alongside someone like Jared is both thrilling and terrifying. He and I have played a number gigs together and I never quite know where the night is headed. That spontaneity was on full display at Inn Kahoots, where songs could shift direction instantly, forcing James and Henry to lock in and follow Jared’s lead. Henry, though I’ve only known him for a couple of years, proved exactly why he belongs in that lineup. Holding down bass while navigating Jared’s musical unpredictability is no small task, and Henry handled it with ease.

And then there was Jared’s new guitar, a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe that delivered one of the best live tones I’ve ever heard. The sound was absolutely massive, rich, aggressive, and perfect for the band’s high-energy rock style. Of course, in true Jared fashion, his intense playing style pushed it to the limit, and after just a few songs, he snapped a string. Honestly, it felt perfectly on brand. The Midbros are the kind of band that thrives on raw energy, spontaneity, and pure rock and roll spirit. If you ever see their name on a poster, flyer, or social media ad, make plans to be there. This is not a band you want to miss.