Reveiw By: Jennifer C. Whigham
Howwastheshow.com

Cadillac Kolstad, with slicked hair and a too-small suit, looks like Bif from the Back to the Future movies and has knees like Elvis. He plays boogie-woogie piano and his set was an act, in the purest sense. His voice, his shtick, his rolly-neck head gestures took everyone back to a different time. I instantly felt underdressed in jeans – where was my poodle skirt? Shouldn’t I be drinking a chocolate malt with two straws? Kolstad is fabulously talented, with a Bobby Darrin voice and songs that manage to incorporate the phrase “rock cocksucker” with 50s doowop chords. He played to a loud, rowdy crowd, including one guy who stood at the piano and cheered Kolstad on, punctuating the air with fists. Kolstad makes happy music and while it’s inspired from another decade, there isn’t a sense of plagiarism – his songs felt fresh and a much-needed addition to the scene. Cadallic, who’s been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, plays at the Varsity on most Happy Hour Thursdays.