For Immediate Release

Minneapolis (June 26, 2019) - Since before the time of Prince and the “Minneapolis Sound,” Minneapolis has provided a lively atmosphere for many musicians to gain traction in their careers nationally. From indie rock to country to hip-hop, the current sound of Minneapolis music is as diverse as the population. This summer, local festival stages bring you the opportunity to catch the Top 5 Minneapolis-based music acts that should be on your radar.

Bad Bad Hats is an indie rock band from Minneapolis with three members: Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Connor Davison. Alexander and Hoge met in college and formed the band in 2012 with bassist Noah Boswell, who later left the group. Davison, who was recruited to play drums on their second album, became a full-time member once Boswell left. That album, Lightning Round, released in 2018. The band released another EP, Wide Right, in 2019. Bad Bad Hats will play this weekend’s popular Rock the Garden at the Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden on Saturday, June 29 at 8 p.m.

Semisonic is an alternative rock band that formed in Minneapolis in 1995 and gained a national reputation with hits including their most well-known song, “Closing Time,” which debuted in 1998. The band consists of three members: Dan Wilson, John Munson, and Jacob Slichter. The band split in 2001 after releasing its third album All About Chemistry. Since 2017 Semisonic has played reunion shows at Minneapolis and Saint Paul venues. Fans should check them out this summer at the Basilica Block Party at the PreferredOne Stage on Friday, July 12 at 8:35 p.m.

The Jayhawks are an alternative country band that originated in Minneapolis in 1985. They played widely until 2004 when the band broke up, but the act re-kindled in 2009 and have been playing venues ever since. The current line-up of Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg, Tim O’Reagan, and John Jackson will also be playing the Basilica Block Party at the PreferredOne Stage on Friday, July 12 at 7:15 p.m.

Dessa is a rapper who is from Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She has performed at Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, and worked with the Minnesota Orchestra to co-compose for a 100-voice choir, among other projects. Her most recent album Chime was released in early 2018 and ranked third for Independent Current Albums on the Billboard charts. Her single “Good for You” released in 2019. She will be performing at the Minnesota State Fair at Leinie Lodge Bandshell Sept. 1 and 2 at 8:30 p.m.

Although she is not from Minneapolis, the rapper Lizzo lived in the city for five years as she launched her career. During that time, she played with Larva Ink, recorded her first solo album Lizzobangers, recorded a track with BJ Burton, and recorded for Prince’s album with 3RDEYEGIRL, Plectrumelectrum. Lizzo is an advocate for body positivity and self-love. Her newest album Cuz I Love You came out this year. Her songs “Truth Hurts” and “Juice” have ranked on the Hot 100 for the Billboard charts. Her next tour stop in Minneapolis is Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. at The Armory, but to tide fans over until then she will be performing at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Thursday, June 27 at 10 p.m.

More Minneapolis Music

These are just a few of the many opportunities to hear live music in Minneapolis:

• Minnesota History Center just announced the line-up of Bands on the Boulevard with free, live outdoor shows by local artists from the First Avenue scene who will rock out every Tuesday night in July in honor of the new exhibit “First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom.”
• The X Games Music Festival returns for a third year with shows at The Armory Aug. 1-4 featuring Wu-Tang Clan, Diplo, Incubus, and Chevy Metal, as well as local bands The Blind Shake and P.O.S.
• Along with these festivals, Minneapolis’ sound can be heard around town nightly at venues such as Dakota Jazz Club, Minnesota Orchestra’s Sommerfest, The Fine Line, 331 Club, Icehouse, and many more.

Check out the rest of Minneapolis’ lively and unique music scene at https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/music-nightlife/.

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