Lineup
Great Clips Stage
Featuring: DJ Shannon Blowtorch Jazz88 Stage Xcel Energy Singer / Songwriter Stage 20 Washington Plaza Stage Read More
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Unlike the first day, we now know the lay of the land and had a strategy of moving from stage to stage… and even stopping by the F1RST Wrestling ring, which we had no idea existed on Saturday. We had set times for all the bands, so we were ready to see as many bands as possible.
As usual, the big draw is the main stage, Great Clips Stage, which started its lineup with a very large cast of singers of Sounds of Blackness. This gospel/R&B, soul group goes back to 1969 by Russell Knighton at Macalester College in St. Paul, originally called the Macalester College Black Voices. When Gary Hines took over the ensemble in 1971, they officially changed their name to Sounds of Blackness.
They are an impressive collection with Cynthia Johnson (of Lipps Inc.) and Ann Nesby as the group’s most prominent alumni. Nesby will later resurface on Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ set, but more on that later.
Shannon Blowtorch kept the music flowing as she DJ between live sets.
Next up was Johnny Holm Band, a multi-generational band. They played some old songs like Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” to semi-current Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” They were a really fun, energetic band, perfect for these outdoors event.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis at Super Bowl Live (26 Jan 2018)
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Still, it’s a rare appearance for this legendary music producer and songwriters. Even if you didn’t know who Jam & Lewis are, you probably have danced and loved their songs, which included S.O.S.’ “Just Be Good to Me” or Cherrelle’ “Saturday Love” & “I Didn't Mean to Turn You On” or the Human League’s “Only Human” or Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done For Me Lately.”
Since Jam & Lewis are the producers, they let others sing: Ruben Studdard, Ann Nesby, Jamecia Bennett, Shanice Wilson (she sang on all the Janet Jackson songs), and Lisa Keith. They played and medley in about 30 songs, and every one of those songs are pure gold hits!
Morris Day and the Time closed out the Taste of Minnesota. I’m not going to lie, it was tough for Day to follow up to the powerhouse set of Jam & Lewis (and it didn’t help that Morris Day was 20 minute fashionably late to his own show). Still, the crowd fondly remember Day and the Time as they do that uniform head turn and dance moves. The dance favorite “The Walk” was a crowd favorite.
Morris Day at State Theatre (22 Jun 2024)
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At the Jazz88 Stage started with MacPhail’s First Ave Ensemble, followed by Aja Parham (pronounced “A-Ja”) a jazz singer started her set with “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story, although she updated the lyrics to keep up with the time. It’s a different meaning back then when they sang “I feel pretty and gay”. She has a full band, and even her son joined her on stage.
Purple Funk Metropolis at Fine Line (06 Jan 2024)
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International Reggae All-Stars plays popular songs in the reggae style. For example, Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” and Guns N' Roses’ “Knockin' On Heaven's Door”, but laid back.
Minneapolis String Project at the Icehouse (22 July 2024)
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On the far south at the Xcel Energy Singer / Songwriter Stage we have Scarlett Woods, followed by Scott Zosel influenced by artists such as Gram Parsons, Joe Henry, Jeff Tweedy, Patty Smith, Ryan Adams, Liz Phair, even John Lennon.
Steven Weeks-Johnson was fun, doing some 90s tunes like Sublime’s “What I Got” and Blind Melon’s “No Rain”. He even played Joe Walsh’s “Life's Been Good”.
Greg Volker & the River plays Alt-Country and roots music, followed by John Loo & the Breakers.
Joan of Profile closed out the stage. I am assuming the singer is named Joan and she’s from the land of Profile… They’re described as indie-pop, and I recognized their cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger.” The band’s latest single is called “Flowers.”
The 20 Washington Plaza Stage offers what seems like solo artists. Starting with Sam Cargill (with a debut album called Authentic Silver) and later joined in with Josh Cargill, which we’re speculating is related to Sam, either as older brother or father. We actually have no idea, they could also be unrelated and their last name is purely coincidental.
Cathie English is a folk singer/songwriter in Central Minnesota and Jamie Parker, aka “J”.
Vicki Dischler played some of her favorite songs. She played Paul Simon’s “Slip Slidin' Away” and then she asks, “how about some Rolling Stones?” and proceeded to play “19th Nervous Breakdown.”
The whole Taste of Minnesota event was very fun and although it was free, trust me, we ended up paying for all the food and drinks and enjoying the music. We’ll definitely return next year.
Apologies for the poor phone photos.
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