Music in the Twin Cities, Summer 2009

This is not a comprehensive list, but here are some of the hot spots:

On the Northrop's front lawn

Of special note over at the University of Minnesota, whilst sitting on the afore mentioned lawn at noon:

June 19: DE VISA MUSICAL TROUPE—SWEDEN

July 1:   GLEN HELGESON WITH AXIS MUNDI
World-beat jazz

July 2:   MACHINERY HILL
Eccentric meets Celtic, rock, & bluegrass

July 14: GREG HERRIGES/TELLURIC CURRENTS
World fusion with Indian accents

July 22: INNOCENT REGGAE BAND
The best of reggae

Twin Cities Jazz Festival 

These pique my interest:

Friday, June 19th:

Main Stage in Mears Park / FREE Admission
5th St. E. & Sibley St. in Saint Paul

For these next two shows, I recommend packing a picnic, bringing a few bucks to buy a glass of beverage and luxuriating in the sounds of these two iconic jazz musicians.

6:45 – 7:45 p.m. Irv Williams (celebrating his upcoming 90th birthday)

8:30 – 10:00 p.m. Allen Toussaint

Some how you'll have to squeeze these hornblowers in between sets above:

Hat Trick Lounge Stage • NO COVER CHARGE
134 E. 5th St., Saint Paul / (651) 228-1347

8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Jack Brass Band

Saturday, June 20 

Also on Main Stage in Mears Park:

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. The New Standards

8:30 – 10:00 p.m. Esperanza Spalding

The Stone Arch Festival has a huge selection of local talent, musical and otherwise. Check out the link because there are over 200 acts playing June 20 & 21 bright and early at 10:00 and ending at supper time.  I plan to see The Cromulent Shakespeare Company perform on Sunday, June 21st at 3:15.

Mill City Live, Tuesdays in July and first half of August 6 - 8 p.m. (They've changed the freebie policy this year.  You'll need to purchase an admission to the Museum, but the place is great fun!)

The Mill City Museum located at 704 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55401 612.341.7555 is a truly excellent place for any aged person and to sweeten the "dough" they offer live music throughout the summer.

Special note: 
July 30th:  Charanga Tropical  

August 13th:  The Butanes

Basilica Block Party, 88 N 17th St. Minneapolis, MN  55403  The whole weekend isn't free, but Sunday, family-friendly, is free.    Here's Sunday's line-up.  

Sunday, July 12
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Sun Country Stage:

• The Sweet Colleens
• Filipino singers
• Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers
• Megonia
• Minnesota Police Pipe Band
• 4Given
• Richard Lopez and Café con Crema
• The Okee Dokee Brothers
• Basilica Cathedral Choir

They also have food, games, vendors for families to enjoy.

This event is free of charge.

The Irish Fair, August 7 - 9, on Harriet Island in St. Paul 
A fabulous time for singles, families, couples, everyone.  This carries one of my highest recommendations.

Here is their schedule.  The items I had highlighted previous to this edit were from last year's agenda,which hadn't been updated. Sorry for the confusion.

Summer ends, but this makes the end soooo sweet.

The Minnesota State Fair, August 27 - September 7, 2009

Here's the free stage line up.  

If I could attend every day, here's who I wouldn't miss--

Aug 29 – 30: Sloughgrass

Aug 27 – 28:  Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys

Sept 2 – 3: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue

Sept 4 - 5: Tonic Sol-fa

Sept 6 – 7: Tangled Roots

Sept 6 - 7: Marcoux Corner, Abalone Dots

And the whole line-up at the International Bazaar is incredible.  I've colored the ones I super-duper like.

• Aug 27 – 28: Katie McMahon, Yawo
• Aug 29 – 30: Davina & The Vagabonds, Stevie Ray's Comedy Troupe        
• Aug 31 – Sept 1: Cafe Accordion Orchestra, Salsabrosa
• Sept 2 – 3: Mariachi Mexico, Native Pride Dancers
• Sept 4 – 5: Atahualpa, Innocent
• Sept 6 – 7: St. Mary's Balalaika Orchestra, The Sweet Colleens

INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR sponsored by Summit Brewing Co.
Detailed Schedule

And here are some of my favorite venues where you PAY for what you get. 

The Cedar

Throughout the summer, even with all of the wonderful festivals, The Cedar continues to bring us the World.  

June 25:  Vieux Farka Touré

Minnesota Zoo in the Amiphitheater

There's lots of great music at the zoo.  It's a fantastic venue with room to dance and to be nearly touching the band--but don't do that :-).  I'm recommending the following because I've seen them there and loved the shows.

The Minnesota State Fair--Grandstand

Hey, y'all.  This was something of an undertaking to put together, but I love the music and so it was a true act of love.  That said, please direct your friends to this, e-mail it using the special e-mail buttons.  And if you go to any of these shows because I mentioned it, come back and tell me about it.  Sharing music makes life a joyful experience.