Photo courtesy coppersmith photograph, courtesy meet minnaepolis
What began as a fundraiser in 1995 to structurally restore the first basilica built in the United States is now a mid-summer, two-day bash with music from local and national artists. You may be going to Basilica Block Party for the headliners (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Cake, BØRNS, and Andy Grammar are just a few options) but don’t forget to check out the locals who know Minnesota sound better than anyone else.
Here’s a list of 16 songs to know before you go, all from Minnesota artists.
July 6
Lady Lark
Taylor Harris, known professionally as Lady Lark, is a pop/soul artist from Minneapolis. In an interview with The Current back in 2017, Harris and her bandmates explained that Lady Lark, as a performer, is meant to embody joy and having a good time—Harris also enjoys a bit of irony with the name since she’s not entirely fond of birds. Lady Lark released a 3 song EP titled Love in 2017.
Song to Know: “Love (Is Just a Game)” (Love, 2017)
New Release: “Party Tonight”
Stage: Star Tribune Stage, 7:20-8:20 p.m.
The Revolution
Prince’s band The Revolution, made up of Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Bobby Z, BrownMark, and Dr. Fink, is considered one of the most successful acts in history. Since Prince’s death, The Revolution has teamed up to honor Prince by playing the music they helped create.
Stage: PreferredOne Stage, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Now, Now
Now, Now, a duet made up of Cacie Dalager (vocals, guitar, keys) and Bradley Hall (drums), was formed in Blaine, Minnesota, in the mid-2000s. Now based in Minneapolis, the indie rock band recently released their third album titled Saved.
Song to Know: “SGL” (Saved, 2017)
New Release: “MJ”
Stage: PreferredOne Stage, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Tabah
Tabah is made up of four members: Cecelia Erholtz (vocals), Jeff Ley (guitar/vocals), Charlie Bruber (bass/vocals), and Murphy Janssen (drums/percussion). Based in Minneapolis, Tabah released their debut EP, Time Will Come in 2015; their first full-length album, Symmetry Somewhere was released in 2017.
Songs to Know: “Curtain Call” and “Noble” (Symmetry Somewhere, 2017)
Stage: Great Clips Stage, 5:20-5:50 p.m.
Lena Elizabeth
Lena Elizabeth is a singer/songerwriter based in Minneapolis. As the youngest in a family of musicians, Elizabeth incorporates many different influences into her own folk/blues storytelling. Lena released her debut EP The Line in 2017.
Song to Know: “Cold Coffee” (The Line, 2017)
New Release: “Loaded Gun”
Stage: Star Tribune Stage, 5:10-5:55 p.m.
July 7
Reina del Cid
Reina del Cid, who calls her band “part singer songwriter group and part rock band” is made up of herself (singer-songwriter), Toni Lindgren (lead guitar), Andrew Foreman (bass), and Zach Schmidt (drums). Currently in the midst of an European tour, del Cid and Lindgren will rush back to Minnesota before finishing the rest of the tour.
Song to Know: “This One’s Gonna Hurt” (The Cooling, 2015)
New Release: “Million Girls” (Rerun City, 2017)
Stage: Star Tribune Stage, 7:20-8:20 p.m.
The Shackletons
Based on out the Twin Cities, The Shackletons, a rock and blues band, are made up of brothers Colin Campbell (vocals/guitar), Cameron Campbell (bass), and Even Campbell (drums). The Shackletons released their latest EP Second Attempt in 2017, accompanied by a sold out show at 7th Street Entry.
Songs to Know: “Minnesota Girls” and “St. Bibiana” (Second Attempt, 2017)
Stage: July 7, Star Tribune Stage, 6:15-7 p.m.
Early Eyes
A relatively new band based out of Minneapolis, Early Eyes started up in October 2016 and released their debut EP Minutes in 2017. Most recently in Minneapolis Early Eyes played a show at 7th St Entry on March 2.
Song to Know: “Waste of Time” (Minutes, 2017)
New Release: “Penelope”
When: PreferredOne Stage, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Lazy Scorsese
Characterized as a psychedelic rock band, Lazy Scorsese is based out of Minneapolis and toured with The Lemon Twigs after the release of their debut EP, Grigio, in 2016.
Song to Know: “Row Gently, Jenna Lee” (Grigo, 2017)
New Release: “In Good Health”
Stage: Star Tribune Stage, 5:10-5:55 p.m.
To check out other local artists beyond Basilica Block Party, check out “Minnesota Music Now.”
