Taste of MN-2010!
By Ellen Stanley
This year’s Taste of Minnesota got a makeover this year with higher end food vendors and more music stages, including one presented by Red House Records and KFAI Radio. Here are some photos from the festivities…
The Red House Records & KFAI Stage had the best location on the Harriet Island festival grounds–right on the river with beautiful views and a constant breeze amidst the humid heat. The steps leading down to the water made for great seating and a sweet sounding amphitheater.
Guy and Ellen geek out over banjo!
MA interviews Guy
Guy Plays Harp on Fox9
- Dave Moore
Dave Moore put on a great set. The highlight was when he answered his cell phone on stage, and says: “It’s my good friendRay Bonneville.” Everyone cheers.
- Guy invites Dave Moore to play harp…
- …and then Iowa City’s Joe Price on electric guitar.
Joe Price & Dave Moore chat with Red House president Eric Peltoniemi.
Before Minnesota music legend Willie Murphy played his set, I got to introduce St. Paul’s Mayor Chris Coleman–how cool!
Before Minnesota music legend Willie Murphy played his set, I got to introduce St. Paul’s Mayor Chris Coleman–how cool!
Just before Mayor Coleman comes on stage, Willie lights up a big stogie.
Mayor declares July 2, 2010 Willie Murphy Day in the city of St. Paul.
- The Mayor congratulates Willie…
- …and then sits down to enjoy Willie’s smokin’ set of soul and classic R&B.
- His kickin’ band brought out the crowds and was the perfect way to end our stage on the first day.
Saturday morning I arrived early with Doug & Telisha Williams for some live TV spots
- Doug on Stage
- Virginia duo Doug & Telisha Williams play in Minnesota for the first time and win over the crowd handily with their great Americana tunes and fun outfits
After a hot day at the Taste, Doug, Telisha and their dog Annabelle joined me for some cold beers and grilled Italian sausages. They parked their RV outside my place so we enjoyed some good times Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Doug, Telisha & Dog Annabell
- Eliza Blue does her sound check as a train goes by on the other side of the Mississippi River
- Eliza Blue
- Eliza Blue & Mikkel Beckman
After MC-ing and talking with folks for two days straight at the merch tent, I lost most of my voice by Sunday morning. Thankfully, after loading up on several kinds of tea, some odd Canadian lozenges and 10 bottles of water, I was able to power through and do my set with the Mother Banjo Band (featuring Jim Parker on mandolin & guitar, Jon Olson on electric bass and Eliza Blue on fiddle and vocals) at 3 pm. We ended with Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love.”
- Mother Banjo Band
- Mother Banjo Band
- Mother Banjo Band on the Red House/KFAI stage
- Rain threatened to dump water on the stage, but it was taken care of and we remained dry for the remainder of the show….for the most part anyway.
The weather, which had managed to hold all weekend, finally let loose Monday afternoon, when Cafe Accordion Orchestraplayed. Luckily our stage was well set up for rain with a very large tent covering so it really just packed the crowds in tighter to the stage. We did have to cut their set a little short due to lightning (although lead man Dan Newton attributed to the polka he played…and the polka he was about to play). While we were huddled under the tent, waiting for the storm to pass, we noticed a raccoon floating down a large log down the river–he looked rather distressed by the whole situation.
Uncategorized | brandon July 7, 2010