LIVE BLOG: Rock the Garden 2018

by josh keller · Published June 16, 2018 · Updated June 18, 2018

We’re heading out into the sweltering heat to watch couple of bands play music at the bottom of a hill by an art museum. We’ll let you know how it goes.

4:02 – arrived. Weather update: it’s hot.

4:05 – some folx are in pants. What the hell. Even as a strong anti-shorts person I busted out my homemade cutoffs.

4:10 – can hear Nikki Lane in the distance, but heading to make sure to catch US Girls on side stage. Lane sounds like a neo-twang Neko Case. Not bad but not my thing.

4:12 – Reviler photag Chris got here for all the bands. He is harder working than me.

4:19 – Lane just said “this song is about rednecks,” which the crowd knowingly nods to as they recently read a article in the Atlantic about rednecks.

4:22 – there is a photo booth stage thing to take pictures with cherry spoon. You’ll be shocked to know there is a line. #instagramphoto

433 -In the same way I will always, instinctively, side with workers over bosses, I always prefer side stage to main stage, regardless of bands, locations, sound, etc.

439- there is a ramp to a stage in the middle of the crowd for people needing to sit or if you have a disability. Very cool.

442 – Meg has six piece band behind her as US Girls. Sounds lush and anthemic.

449- her indie-gone-motown motife sounds great outside on a summer afternoon.

452 – dad near me just made a “more guys in the band than I expected from US Girls.” Har har.

458 – this crowd looks like it is a convention for mid-level insurance salespeople (and their striving-to-be-hipster kids). Just sweatier.

459- enjoying the ambient interludes between songs.

505- making lots of new fans today with the dance-infused portion of their catalog. Fun, fun set.

510 – band vamps as Meg dives into the crowd, pushing meek Minnesotans to flail their arms and “dance.” Crowd eating it up.

515 – outstanding set by US Girls. All the pieces that make her so good on display. Strong hooks, classic vibes, fun grooves.

519 – made it over in time to see start of Kamasi vamp. Excited for this set.

520 – dude is wearing a knit winter hat. What the hell. Especially concerning since this set is FIRE. (Sorry. Think the heat is getting to me.)

525 – Kamasi brings his dad on stage for a song. Not sure if my heart is melting from this or from the fact my whole body is melting in this oppressive heat.

531 – genuinely wondering about the people who haven’t sweated through their shirts yet. Robots?

544 – truly ensamble performance. Beautiful horns, key solo, singing, two drum set. Sounds amazing.

545 – playing song with five melodies to highlight the value of diversity. Good stuff.

547 – vip area is literally a fenced in area that is basically a cage in the middle of the crowd. Metaphor?

551 – guy in pink floyd shirt enthusiastically tapping foot to Kamasi jam. He digs it.

554 – this is so good.

556 – spotted: guy wearing Tshirt that says PUNK on top and ‘Professional Uncle No Kids’ below. Nice work, dude.

608 – hot damn. This fusion jam to close the set is burning shit down.

610 – solo on bowed upright bass. OK!

616 – well that was amazing. So I’ve seen the two bands I came for…now what?

625 – good crowd for Chastity Brown on side stage. Might have to go get food soon. Sun + beers = ….

629 – shoutout to the people watching and listening for free outside of fence in sculpture garden.

637 – with how hot it is, the couples holding hands are either a) new couples or b) drunk.

642 – veggie momos from Ghorka Palace hitting the spot.

646 – impressed/confused by people with infants here. Honestly struggling to keep myself alive, can’t imagine the responsibility of a baby as well. Godspeed.

658 – if someone was charging money to sit in the shade right now I’d pay whatever the cost. Feels so good words can’t explain.

708 – having feist in the background while i get a beer is pretty much the right level of feist for me.

712 – BREAKING: The AC is cranked up inside and anyone can go in.

732- found: a discarded, sweaty bra in the biffy. One of those days.

743 – feist is playing the apple song in the distance.

8:02 – POS hitting the side stage. here for this.

8:06 – before cranking Stef reps for ear plugs. Solid.

810 – busting through catalog. Forgot how impeccable his solo catalog is.

826 – POS rapping about rioting and smashing capitol to a crowd of upper middle class white people who work at US Bank is wonderful.

830- just an amazing set by POS.

842 – people seem excited. I’m going to pretend I have any interest in Father John Misty while I finish my beer and beat the rush back to central AC.

849 – is the schtick that he is so boring/trite that it is ironic? I’m confused.