2008 Woodie Awards
Music fest showcases entourage of local talent
Kari Langan
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Intermission
- Page 1 of 2 next >
The Minnesota Music Festival (MMF) exploded continuous sounds of beats, rhythms and harmonies with the opening of the festival, which kicked off at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Eighteen Minnesotan musical talents began to appear on two stages Friday and Saturday, concluding a concert performed by Quietdrive.
With a diverse group of musical talent in the Twin Cities, the MMF has reunited several bands that play shows together. This World Fair and White Light Riot have appeared several times together.
Chris Kalgren, the vocalist, pianist and guitarist for This World Fair, said MMF is a collection of critically acclaimed artists who originated in Minnesota.
The various artists who performed include Da 4 Band, The HoneyDogs, The Hopefuls, Golden Smog, Martin Zellar, Soul Asylum and McNally Smith Ensemble.
White Light Riot, Dan Israel and the Cultivators, This World Fair, Alison Scott, Tim Mahoney, The New Congress and Desdamona, Romantica, Brother Ali, Har Mar SuperStar, Mint Collection and Quietdrive also performed.
"I think we're at a cross roads here, where younger bands (i.e. This World Fair, White light Riot, Quiet drive, Brother Ali, etc.) are on an upswing, while some of the older groups are relinquishing the crown, so to speak," said Joe Christenson, lead guitarist for White Light Riot. "This festival juxtaposes the two, and it's an interesting glimpse into the Minneapolis music scene."
The event intertwined many different bands that several generations could appreciate.
The event was conducted at Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minn. Ticket prices varied depending upon the purchase date. If tickets were bought at the gate, day one was a $30 entrance fee while day two was a $40 entrance fee. Children accompanied by an adult were admitted free.
"It's the largest showing of local talent that has occurred in a long time," Kalgren said. "Brother Ali and Quietdrive would be worth the Saturday ticket alone, but with all of the other well-known supporting acts, it's well worth the price of admission."
Eighteen Minnesotan musical talents began to appear on two stages Friday and Saturday, concluding a concert performed by Quietdrive.
With a diverse group of musical talent in the Twin Cities, the MMF has reunited several bands that play shows together. This World Fair and White Light Riot have appeared several times together.
Chris Kalgren, the vocalist, pianist and guitarist for This World Fair, said MMF is a collection of critically acclaimed artists who originated in Minnesota.
The various artists who performed include Da 4 Band, The HoneyDogs, The Hopefuls, Golden Smog, Martin Zellar, Soul Asylum and McNally Smith Ensemble.
White Light Riot, Dan Israel and the Cultivators, This World Fair, Alison Scott, Tim Mahoney, The New Congress and Desdamona, Romantica, Brother Ali, Har Mar SuperStar, Mint Collection and Quietdrive also performed.
"I think we're at a cross roads here, where younger bands (i.e. This World Fair, White light Riot, Quiet drive, Brother Ali, etc.) are on an upswing, while some of the older groups are relinquishing the crown, so to speak," said Joe Christenson, lead guitarist for White Light Riot. "This festival juxtaposes the two, and it's an interesting glimpse into the Minneapolis music scene."
The event intertwined many different bands that several generations could appreciate.
The event was conducted at Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minn. Ticket prices varied depending upon the purchase date. If tickets were bought at the gate, day one was a $30 entrance fee while day two was a $40 entrance fee. Children accompanied by an adult were admitted free.
"It's the largest showing of local talent that has occurred in a long time," Kalgren said. "Brother Ali and Quietdrive would be worth the Saturday ticket alone, but with all of the other well-known supporting acts, it's well worth the price of admission."