Music Is in the Air

Springtime in Minneapolis means not only blooming tulips, Twins baseball, and returning mosquitoes, but also the prospect of live music at dozens of outdoor venues. Over the past few days, there's been a flurry of concert schedules being released. Nothing spectacular so far, but definitely some stuff worth checking out.

Grand Old Day is Sunday, June 4. Should be a crazy weekend, with Jen's 30th birthday on Saturday, and Butchie's birthday on Friday! Billy's stage hasn't been announced, but Ike Reilly, The Plastic Constellations, and Birthday Suits are on Dixie's stage.

Mill City Live starts June 1. You've gotta love free outdoor music. I'd be interested in pretty much all of these shows, particularly Charlie Parr and Yawo.

Music in the Zoo kicks off in mid-June. Tickets still aren't cheap, but I'm pretty sure they've come way down from last year. The Yonder Mountain String Band and Sam Bush shows only run $25. Speaking of YMSB, apparently they recorded with a drummer for their album due out May 9. Oh, the horror! I haven't heard it yet, so I guess I should reserve judgement.

The Taste of Minnesota runs June 30-July 4. While there aren't any great bands lined up, I'd like to see Alice Cooper, Soul Asylum, the Melismatics, Cloud Cult...

The Flaming Lips might be coming to the MN State Fair! That would be an interesting experience.