Theater / Concerts, Minneapolis

---Every year, in the middle of July (unfortunately usually when my family vacation is too), twelve bands play on two stages over two nights in the Basilica Block Party at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. It attracts quality artists like Marc Cohn, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Indigenous, Everything, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Los Lobos.
---Three bands play on each stage each night, starting with some good lesser known bands and working up to headliners. Bands play on both stages at the same time, so you might have to choose between two great bands that you want to see, but the times are a little staggered, so you could catch part of each.
---During the first bands there aren't very many people and you can lay back on the grass in the sun. It gets more crowded with the second bands, and by the last band it's packed solid with thousands of people. At a point before or during the second band, when the first person decides to go stand up against the stage, many others will follow and rush up there to get a good spot, so if you want a great spot up front, get there early and either be the first one up there or be ready for the rush. I've been up front each time and it's great. Also, keep your spot, people will be trying to squeeze up to the front.
---There are food, t-shirt, souvenir and other type stands too. After the concerts you can buy CD's of the bands you saw.
---Most of the parking is in the Dunwoody Institute parking lot and overflows and packs full, so get there early or you might have trouble finding a place to park.
---It has been sponsered by Cities97 (97.1 FM, a great radio station), and benefits things like the church's restoration. I've gotten my tickets at Borders book store. Tickets have been $40 for both nights and $25 for one night, and it's well worth it.

---It's outdoors, so be prepared for rain or cold. A warm rain jacket should take care of that, or whatever you think you need, depending on the forecast. A lumbar pack is a good idea for keeping things you bring close to you when it's crowded.
---Cameras are not allowed, and if they will confiscate your camera and/or film if they see them. I didn't know this the first time until I was inside, and I was actually right up front and out in the open taking pictures, so they must have thought I was press or something. I did sneak some pictures of Hootie and other bands when it was crowded, but I wouldn't recommend it now because they've gotten more strict about cameras and I've seen plenty of people caught taking pictures, so just forget about the pictures and enjoy the music and everything else.

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Theater / Concerts, Minneapolis

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