Midwest folk groups to perform outdoor concert in southwest Rochester
The Down by the Riverside series may be in the books — but there are still a few more opportunities for free outdoor music this summer in Rochester.
That begins Wednesday with the Minneapolis folk trio Good Morning Bedlam headlining a concert at John Withers Sports Complex, 2021 Mayowood Road SW. The show is part of Rochester Civic Music’s forWARD Neighborhood Park Concert Series, which brings regional and national musicians to each of the city’s six wards throughout the summer.
The show begins at 5:30 p.m. with local opener My Grandma's Cardigan.
The headliner: Good Morning Bedlam
Good Morning Bedlam has become an innovative force in the Midwest folk scene. Their shows are known for their contagious energy, with members careening about the stage. With tight soaring three part harmonies, and thumping kick-drum, they captivate their audience night after night. Every song is a unique twist on what is generally dubbed as folk music. “We want to surprise our audience from song to song. Rather than creating our music to fit a genre, we allow it to be an outpouring of our own stories and unique sound,” says Isaak, frontman of GMB. You will be treated to a haunting waltz, whistling, jazz scatting, and the euphoria of the violin melodies.
the opener: My Grandma's Cardigan
My Grandma's Cardigan is a folk rock group that came together in the heart of Winona, MN. What started as a folk duo jamming in a living room, has grown into a great group of friends that love playing music together. Their melodic harmonies and fun upbeat sounds have made their way across the midwest. They have a little something for everyone.
The forWARD series will continue in August with two more shows scheduled: PaviElle w/ Maria and the Coins on Wednesday, Aug. 24, and Kokou Kah w/ Samantha Grimes on Wednesday, Aug. 31. At each event, there will be food trucks. Lawn chairs and coolers are also welcome.
The series is sponsored by Mayo Clinic and The Current.
