MINNEAPOLIS — Opening acts. Music fans tolerate them (might discover a cool new band), venues love them (more time to sell booze and merch), and stars appreciate them (more time to primp and prep).
Why did Brandi Carlile have two support acts this year? Why was Nile Rodgers setting the table for Duran Duran? Why did Broadway star Ben Platt reach out to Aly & AJ to warm up his audiences?
In short, relationships.