May 4

May 4 One of Minnesota's finest musical talents is headed for Rochester

News | 2017

Twin Cities-based hip hop artist Dessa will perform in Mayo Park on July 16 for week 2 of the 2017 Down by the Riverside concert series, the city's music department announced Thursday.

Dessa, who in addition to a singer is also an accomplished writer and spoken word artist, will perform as a solo artist for the Rochester show. She also spends here time recording and performing as a member of Doomtree, a Minneapolis-based hip-hop collective that has become a fixture in the Twin Cities music scene.

Here's how The Current, the indie radio station sponsoring the Rochester show, describes Dessa's musical rise:

Throughout her career, Dessa's music has raised important questions about the world, as well as dissecting her own personal thoughts and experiences. She has been extremely influential in the Minnesota music scene by gaining national recognition (such as her respective spots on the Billboard Top 200 list as a solo artist and as a Doomtree member) but also staying true to her Midwestern roots. Enter the musical world of Dessa and expect to be entranced by her intoxicating sound and commanding presence.

Riverside Concerts also announced this week that Pert Near Sandstone, a bluegrass group also out of the Twin Cities, will perform on August 6. According to a news release:

Pert Near Sandstone rejuvenates American stringband music with raw energy; they play tightly-crafted original material that lends itself to the modern audience, as well as being stewards of the old-time and bluegrass traditions. They are just as at home playing fully acoustic in the traditional style as they are plugged in at an indie rock venue. From saloons to theaters, hollering into a single microphone and laying thick rhythm on driving fiddle melodies, their sweat-inducing, foot-stomping live performances keep crowds begging for more all night long.

Pert Near Sandstone has performed at some of Minnesota's top musical venues, including First Avenue and the historic Orpheum Theatre. They have also appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, and shared bills with the likes of Trampled By Turtles.

“The group has become a force on the Minnesota roots music scene and beyond," former Prairie Home Garrison Keillor said of the band.

They have also started their own music festival, Blue Ox, which has featured performances by Bela Fleck, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Shovels & Rope, Justin Townes Earle and Blitzen Trapper.

Down by the Riverside shows will be held Sunday nights July 9 through August 13. All shows are free and open to the public.

Here's the final lineup: