Day 1 of MN Yacht Fest
After a hot hot start to the week, wonderful overcast weather greeted Minnesota to usher in the First Day of MN Yacht Fest. I didn’t attend last year’s inaugural festival, so with an unadulterated opinion and open eyes for parking, I set out to St. Paul for a day of music fun with my fellow Minnesotans.
When getting to downtown overlooking the river, the prices for lots were not that spendy (20 bucks for some ramps) but closer to Harriet Island after crossing the bridge, those jumped up to $40 and $60. Biiiiiit steep, but makes sense. It’s popular and people don’t want to walk longer than they have to before a day long event outside. As someone who prides themselves on their spot hunting skills, paid them no mind and roamed around the neighborhoods ‘til I found a free street spot less than a mile away from the festival entrance. Not bad. Made my way there with a few other walking enthusiasts.
Lines were not too bad. I was there a little bit before the first opening band, Maygen and The Birdwatcher, strummed their guitar. Security is security. Small bags are allowed (6” x 9”) and no outside food. Rest in peace to my beloved peanut butter crackers I forgot were in my fanny pack. You can bring in hydration packs and EMPTY water bottles (plenty of spots to get your hydration needs met, but there are NO cups available.) I did not bring a water bottle so was bubbler bound (aka water fountain) which is right near the river front walk and permanent park bathrooms. The Crow’s Nest was the first stage to light up the crowd. Maygen and The Birdwatcher’s bonified joy and energy was received well by the audience. Fast picking, solid vocals and crisp sound. All gravy so far.
MN Yacht Fest has two large stages which are well spaced out, with a large area for people to lay down towels and relax. There are definitive lines where you can and cannot have blankets down marked with big signs. Hard to miss, and makes moving around in such a large area populated with excited humans a bit easier. Off to the Skipper stage for Saint Paul’s own, Mike Kota. And wow. What. A. Star. Minnesota is known around then world as being a natural hub for musical ability and creativity. Mike Kota reaffirms that rumor and cements it. This is the band to watch. And listen to. Humble, communicative with the audience, natural homegrown talent. They are releasing a new EP after recording it oddly last year when the first Yacht Fest was going on. What a wonderful full circle moment. IF you want to join in on more Mike Kota fun which I almost demand you do, the release EP party will be on August 8th at Green Room for less than 20 bucks.
Next up, Hamilton Leithauser was on at The Crow’s Nest. Their deliciously textured vocals and classic rock sound was well received. One of the few bands I’d not been familiar with before seeing them at Yacht Fest. Loved their vibes. Perfect addition to the lineup this year. This was about the time the crowds became a little more regular and filled out, but the lines for food and beer were not too bad. After watching a few songs, was getting a bit hungry. Made my way over to the food stalls located behind the Skipper stage along the river with a decent amount of picnic tables and chairs. Okay selection of food, got myself a $20 something after tax and tip double “smashburger.” It was fine.
Back for some brass and boisterous jams, The 502s did not disappoint at Skipper. Was hanging out behind some front row revelers who knew every word to their songs. Tis a treat to see hardcore fans seeing their favorite band perform. My personal favorite was their sax player. He is animated and keeps the energy alive. Hard not to when the rest of the band is equally as electric, but as a former saxophone player myself, my true allegiance and heart lies with him.
Gigi Perez was up next. She can draw the big numbers with that larger than life voice. Another killer female singer who has no limits in her range. Little bit more filling out of the crowd, drawing almost everyone into her set that was at the festival. Hard to ignore with golden pipes like that. Though the audience was majorly leaning younger for her, I saw a ton of regular olds like me enjoying it. Needed to scoot off to the bathroom before trying to get a good spot for Sheryl Crow. Quick in and out, no lines, huzzah! Then snagged a solitary beer (16 oz Surly Mosh Pit for $18 + tip and tax) before trying to score a good spot to spy the infamous songstress.
The buzz was vibrating with anticipation for her to start. As I people watched (and people listened,) while waiting for the music to begin, heard a ton of chatter about where people were from. Tons not from MN. I get it… this weekend’s lineup is stellar. I just didn’t fully get the scope of how coveted this festival was and in my opinion, will continue to be if the bookings are this fire. Sheryl Crow started with a little less energy than I would have thought but after a few jams, their juices got flowing and had a wonderful set.
Father John Misty was bringing it. There was a little bit of sun at the end of Crow’s set, but then the clouds started coming back in, bringing back the old refrain of Minnesota weather unpredictability. Classic move, MN. The bearded band was a nice add amongst the fem driven first day. Great to have a little variety.
Alabama Shakes were one of the bands I kept hearing people murmur about in the fest throughout the day. Their dedicated fans showed up for sure. One of the guys I was next to in the crowd for Crow said they flew up from Alabama specifically for them. Not being a festival girl myself, I have been to a small handful. Guess this was the best one to wet my whistle with again. Was an interesting look at how loyal and devoted fanbases can fuel continuous success and touring demand. Especially in genres that don’t get constant radio play, or are not on the latest TikTok bandwagon brigade.
Toot toot! San Francisco born Train always comes to play. Saw them last at Surly Field, and boy howdy, are they fun. A bucketlist band for sure, so fun to hear all their classic hits live. A joy to wring your lungs out to. The weather was about to get sassy. I could feel it in my midwestern bones. And the fact that everyone around me kept smelling the air for the eventual rain. Formed back in 1993, they keep rocking and I’ll keep on knocking.
Finally, the last but of course never least, Hozier. Screams and squeals of happiness from the fans rounded out their powerful sound. Their millions (hundreds of millions) of views per video on YouTube rings accurate when hearing them live. Fun visuals and a full band rounded out a well thought out exhibition of their band. The people were loving it. Sadly, as quickly as they stared, a little misty rain began to dampen the exuberant audience. Then it got going good. About half an hour before their planned end, announcements were made for everyone to make their “calm exit” towards the festival gates. When in Minnesota things like that are bound to happen. I’m just happy it wasn’t 95 degrees. What a fun chill time! Definitely pumped for day two!
