By Jared Gudnason 

Writer/Reporter 

By sheer luck, I had the evening of Friday, April 17 off, and I took that opportunity to head to my current favorite Twin Cities venue, Turf Club on University Avenue.  

Courtney Marie Andrews is a singer-songwriter who does it all; music composition, being on the road for a HELL of a long time, and even being a published poet, which augments her wonderful music even more. The band set her up on lead vocals, flute, keyboards, and acoustic guitar. Her backing trio included a bass (four stringed and an octave lower than regular) guitarist, lead electric guitarist, and a drummer/percussionist. Andrews was on tour for her tenth studio album, “Valentine.”  

A prolific songwriter, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, she was a touring musician with arguably the most famous 21^st century Arizonan band, Jimmy Eat World from 2010-2011. Most will recall their 2001 single “The Middle.” During that time, Andrews had just released her fourth album, “No One’s Slate Is Clean.” Her set was woven together with the most ethereal professionalism. It’s clear that the longer one practices their discipline, whether it’s music or otherwise, the better the audience connects.  

On the night of April 17, she performed her newest effort in full, a total of 10 songs. After a brief intermission, she returned to play six more from her previous four albums. Her encore was “May Your Kindness Remain,” from the 2018 album of the same name.  

After I settled my bar tab, I went to buy a t-shirt and cassette tape, because I’m that old. She was at the booth, and I asked how long the band had been on tour. “A little over two months,” Andrews responded. Which, to be on the road, is a hell of a long time.