Once again the Walker Art Center and 89.3 The Current team up to present summer’s first and best outdoor music festival, Rock the Garden. This year’s adventurous line-up will play to a capacity crowd spread out along the Walker’s grassy hillside “amphitheater” overlooking the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on Saturday, June 19, from 3–10:30 pm. This rain-or-shine event is sold-out.
Rock the Garden’s sonic smorgasbord gets a kick-start with local phenoms
Retribution Gospel Choir
—the scorching side-project of Low’s Alan Sparhawk—who champion the “rock” in Rock the Garden in slash-and-burn style.
Next up are Grammy Award winners and viral video sensations
OK Go
, whose legendary high-octane performances and rollicking new record are brimming with irresistible hooks, vintage Prince, and noisy nuance. The party delves into deep funk with
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
, the Brooklyn collective revered globally for live shows that burn through gospel, soul, and funk—think R&B revue in a revival tent.
Then
MGMT
takes the stage, mining the pop canon of the last five decades to come up with glittering sounds, game-changing grooves, and cosmic-pop hooks. They perform their new release, Congratulations, for a dazzling-yet-irreverent art-rock finale that runs from futuristic to funky, grand to glam, epic to positively euphoric.
Between sets, enjoy music from The Current’s DJs, stroll through the world-famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and sample a scrumptious array of food, beer, and other refreshments for sale. The much-buzzed-about Barrio Taco Truck makes its Rock the Garden debut serving up gourmet street food. Also new this year, wonton noodles by Wolfgang Puck and fresh roasted sweet corn. Taulelle Concessions returns with sausages, corn dogs, and fries; Haagen Dazs will be scooping a variety of flavors of ice cream; Joe’s Garage will be serving fresh and toasted baguette sandwiches; Vincent A Restaurant will be making mini burgers and hot dog en baguette; Best Way Gyros brings the flavors of the Middle East with several varieties of gyros and falafel sandwiches; Jerry’s Fresh Lemonade will provide frosty beverages and shaved ice; and vegetarian options will be available. All of the delectable food will be complemented by beer served by hometown hero’s Summit.
Once again, the Walker and The Current partner with Eureka Recycling to reduce waste generated at the event. In keeping with Eureka Recycling’s message that “Waste is Preventable,” waste generated at the event will be either recycled or composted (if not prevented in the first place).
Eureka Recycling, a locally based nationally recognized nonprofit organization specializing in recycling and waste reduction, provides innovative ways for people to experience firsthand the possibility that waste can be prevented. Providing zero-waste event services for over eight years, Eureka Recycling demonstrates that waste at events can be completely eliminated through careful planning, recycling, and composting.
Patrons may not bring coolers into Rock the Garden, and commercial photography is not allowed. Admission is free for kids ages 5 and under.
Rock the Garden 2010 Set Times
Retribution Gospel Choir: 4:15–5 pm
OK Go: 5:15–6:15 pm
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: 6:45–8 pm
MGMT: 8:30–10 pm
Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current is an all-music, non-commercial, member-supported station from Minnesota Public Radio. Now in its fifth year, the award-winning station has grown into a far-reaching community, boasting members and Web listeners from around the world. From local to legendary, indie to influential, The Current plays the best new music next to the artists you already love. Part of The Current’s mission is to champion emerging artists, support civic and cultural organizations, and give a platform to important voices that shape our community and make the Twin Cities a great place to live.
89.3 The Current’s Special Programming Dedicated to Rock the Garden 2010
The Current Live from Rock the Garden: Saturday, June 19, 12 noon–7 pm
89.3 The Current broadcasts live from the Walker Art Center the day of the show. Join the entire Current air staff as they get everyone wired for the show with interviews from the artists and other audio treats.
Rock the Garden Live: Sunday, June 27, 4 pm
89.3 The Current hosts a special one-hour show, recapping the event and including the best performances from the Rock the Garden concert.
Tune in:
89.3 The Current is heard on KCMP 89.3 FM in the Twin Cities, KMSE 88.7 FM in Rochester, and streamed live worldwide at thecurrent.org.
