LIVE BLOG: Rock the Garden 2018
We went there
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.
9 updates, 4:02 pm to 9:08 pm
arrived. Weather update: it’s hot.
some folx are in pants. What the hell. Even as a strong anti-shorts person I busted out my homemade cutoffs.
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.
Reviler photag Chris got here for all the bands. He is harder working than me.
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.
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.
POS hitting the side stage. here for this.
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.
peace out
912- bro getting into lyft car with no shirt. Gross. Put your shirt on sweaty bro. It’s 2018.
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