Nicholas David at First Avenue in Minneapolis

Nicholas “The Feelin'” David sells out two nights at First Avenue

It’s funny how being on the tv can increase a musician’s fan base overnight. Nicholas “The Feelin'” David has been playing music in Minneapolis for a long time now, and with his amazing voice and unique stage presence, he has long deserved all of the success that he is now seeing. Not to mention he has always surrounded himself with great players. But I’m willing to bet a majority of the sold out crowd at First Avenue on Friday, May 10 hadn’t stepped a foot into that club in years, if ever. A very large majority of the mostly 35+ crowd was obviously there to see The Voice contestant Nicholas David, and they grooved along, getting drunker by the minute. I did recognize a handful of faces who I know had been following David through all these years, but they were few and far between.

Regardless of the fans, Nicholas David nailed it! He, and his Feelin’ Band sounded fantastic while mixing in originals and traditional gems like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” which he played beautifully on The Voice. The stage was covered in plants, Buddha statuettes, and crystals with the smell of incense in the air. The band played tight, and Nicholas rocked the crowd with soul, commanding the stage like a young Dr. John at times. One of my highlights of the night is when Desdemona joined the band for a long groove that got very funky by the end.

After a 50 minutes set, the band took a break and fellow The Voice contestant, Melanie Martinez took the stage with an acoustic guitar to play a few tunes. Nicholas David and the Feelin’ Band later took the stage for another set.

It is great to see Nicholas David at First Avenue sell out two nights. Nicholas David deserves it, he always has.

Opening the night was Heatbox. Photos taken for Twin Cities Daily Planet.