Quinn XCII Finds the Comfort of Home in Minneapolis
September 17, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN
If Chappell Roan is the Midwest Princess, then Quinn XCII is the Midwest Prince. Born and raised in Michigan, Quinn XCII knows his way around the Midwestern block. Quinn XCII returned to his Midwestern roots for his stop in Minneapolis on September 17 at The Armory. After about 10 years of touring, Quinn XCII has become a pro at performing, but he has yet to lose his spark and whimsy for being onstage.
This tour’s lineup was a stacked one. Goth Babe opened up the Minneapolis show. He’s another artist who I adore seeing live. It’s always one giant party when he performs. This crowd was no exception. Beach balls were being tossed around in the crowd the entire opening set.
Griff Washburn, who’s behind the Goth Babe name, provided a more earthy performance to the Midwestern audience. Washburn is incredibly passionate about climate advocacy, and it seeps into the songs he puts out. Playing “Casita,” “Bioluminescence,” and “Sometimes,” Washburn guided the crowd through the feeling of wanderlust and being out on the sea. At times, it felt the back half of the crowd wasn’t quite with him, but that didn’t deter the front half from giving Washburn their undivided attention.
Pulling the entire crowd back in, Washburn ended his set with his most streamed song on Spotify, “Weekend Friend.” Even if you’ve never heard of Goth Babe before, I guarantee you’ve heard this song somewhere out in public or on the radio. Goth Babe ended with the perfect summer vibe leading into Quinn XCII’s set.
The second Quinn XCII stepped onstage, his happiness and energy radiated through the crowd. With a big smile on his face, he breezed through “Georgia Peach” and “Coffee.” One quirk about Quinn XCII is he will engage with the crowd. I’ve never heard an artist so frequently call out things they’re hearing in the crowd as the show goes on. Usually, their in-ears are too loud, but Quinn XCII let them fall out throughout his songs. In between “Coffee” and “Tiger Lillies,” he noticed a young fan holding up a shirt and had the shirt thrown his way so he could sign it. The shirt was a custom design by the 10-year-old, and it was also his birthday. After a brief moment to sing “Happy Birthday,” the show continued, but for the young fan, I can only imagine he lived in that moment the entire time.
Occasionally, there’s a show that reminds me just how much I love concerts. This was one of them. Quinn XCII crafts a setlist in a way very few people are capable of doing. Interweaving old and new songs, there’s something for every fan. A special moment in the crowd came before “Flare Guns,” which is a song he associates with his best friend and singer, Chelsea Cutler. He had everyone hold up their phone flashlights throughout the entire song. Every emotion was visible from that stage.
There were countless times during the show where Quinn XCII talked about loving the Midwest and how Minnesota and The Armory were his favorite places to stay. Normally, I’d write that off as something he says at every show, but I’ve seen him play in other states, and he did not say that. have no choice but to believe he was telling the truth.
Throughout the show, Quinn XCII played guitar and harmonica. He created a goal to play two songs each on the guitar even though he can't play well. With his new album, Look! I'm Alive, Quinn XCII is in his self-proclaimed "Jack Johnson era."
No Quinn XCII show is complete without hearing “Straightjacket.” Knowing its appeal, this was the last show played of the night. It’s always worth the wait, though. Let’s face it, “she’s a psycho from a Midwest suburb” just hits harder when you’re actually from a Midwest suburb and singing it in a crowd of other Midwesterners.
Dubbing this show as his favorite so far, the rest of the tour has much to live up to. This setlist was one of the best ones I’ve heard from him. The only other song I would have loved to hear was “Stay Next To Me,” since he had played it for other nights on tour. That aside, Quinn XCII brought a performance full of life, gratitude, and good vibes. It was the best way to close out summer.
