Day 2 of MN Yacht Fest
Ready for more sizzling jams, Saturday started sunny and steamy to ring in the second day at MN Yacht Fest. After yesterday's parking snipe, went right to were I scored one Friday for a free street spot. Lady luck was on my side again: a juicy spot less than a 15 minute walk from the gates achieved. Made my way to the gate closer to the Skipper Stage this time which added a few from my walk.
Beautiful puffy clouds dotted the almost too blue July sky, Harriet Island Park is the perfect spot for this festival. You really get to appreciate a slice of downtown river life mixed perfectly with sprawling lawns and gorgeous trees. Minneapolis-based singer Laamar was up first to open up the day. Decent crowds already, knew Saturday would be a touch busier than the first. Saw Laamar walking around later, chatting with fans and handing out stickers to excited supporters.
Next up, Raffaella on the Skipper stage. A few technical difficulties will always happen when dealing with corralling dozens of bands. It was full on sun, but that didn’t stop the audience from rocking out. Few more kids today too. Always good to get them into live music early.
Little bit delayed due to the previous set not starting on time, but didn’t matter much. People were having a fantastic time just hanging out and small-talking with their fellow concert-goers. Back at The Crow’s nest Jake Clemons was on. Like, ON. Again, having a certain penchant towards a sexy sax moment. It’s such a satisfying instrument that carries so much emotion. Was near front row for this one, very groovy and jazzy throughout the set.
Now it was time for something slightly more heavy in the afternoon! Silverspun Pickups drew the biggest crowd so far during the day. They started with this sick deep bass and guitar battle to get the juices flowing. Their bassist is so cool, and I wanna be her just a little bit. The whole band looked like they were genuinely having a blast, which makes it easier to join in on that energy even if amongst thousands. Hour long set seemed so short. As they were wrapping up, I ran over to Crow’s Nest. Didn’t want to miss the special guests that were rumored to be filling in for Motion City Soundtrack’s singer (due to an ER stay with asthma complications.")
Whenever a band has to have someone sub in, the odds of it being an absolute trainwreck are in the cards. Motion City Soundtrack came out with all their members besides lead singer Justin Pierre, telling the audience of his illness and wishing him well. Then flying out from the left of the stage came Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump to launch into the first few songs. He is such a seasoned performer, it was a treat to see him balance being in his element on stage but not to the songs that are sewn into him at this point. Slightly nervous, but took hold of the reigns assertively, he told the audience “I know Motion City Soundtrack songs, but I don’t know Motion City Soundtrack’s songs.” Pointing out that he would be assisted by a teleprompter, he dove right in with his signature vocals but with alien songs. Not many slip ups, he killed it.
Special guests to help out Motion City Sountrack kept on coming. Second was the talented Minnesota singer and songwriter Ber, who was smiling ear to ear as she lent her talents to the set. A triple treat, local MN band, Gully Boys’ Nadi and Kathy came to the party with their musical gifts. What a treat!
While relaxing a bit with my token oversized beer (which was a mega 24oz $20 Coors Light,) had time to survey the thick crowds that were starting to fill in the cracks. Almost everywhere, including VIP, was becoming a bit stuffy. Didn’t help that it was hot, but saw many an ornery adult passive-aggressively bickering for a hightop or dry patch of grass. I tried to find a slick spot to take in Cory Wong. No dice since I didn’t want to go all the way to the front of the Skipper stage before Weezer. Knew that would be a speed walk back that wouldn’t be successful. Took my beer to the elevated seating while watching their set from across the park. All of a sudden another surprise! Remi Wolf popped up on stage. Hearing a kickass rendition of Chaka Khan and Rufus’ “Tell Me Something Good” = hell yes.
A band that knows how to please it’s fans most assuredly is Weezer. So easy to sit back and sing along as they played hit after hit. They have been on my must-see list forever. So elated to finally check that one off. Also, they sounded perfect. Another big bonus. That seems to be the trusty refrain during MN Yacht fest this year. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to see this band” and “Oh, THAT’S why they have been around for so long.”
Second to the last band, Remi Wolf launched into their performance like the seasoned professional siren they are. Was finally a bit breezy and cool after a long humid day. Nice to get a little break after being roasted by the weather, now was ready to be toasted by hot songs. Gosh, to be able to sing like that. Vocals loud and clear, energy was still at an all time high even after a mini show with Cory Wong in the earlier warm afternoon. The stage was surrounded by concert goers, immersing themselves in a fantastic performance. Definite add to your probably long list of bands to see from this lineup.
So many people were getting pumped for Fall Out Boy throughout the day. During Silverspun Pickups I was chatting with a gal that drove from southern Missouri just to see them at MN Yacht Fest. Complete with a black and red Fall Out Boy emblazoned jersey (matching with her friend she came with, which was extra cute) she showed me her one-day pass next to a tattered Nickelodeon wrist band. Can’t go to MN without a stop by the Mall of America, even if it’s before a 10 hour concert I guess. When in Rome.
Though the weather had chilled out a bit before they burst onto the stage, FOB brought the heat with pyro. Love a little razzle dazzle with my tunes, especially when it comes out of a guitar. Had a lotta of zip in their almost 2 hour long set, leaving people satisfied if not a little bombarded by how many hits they would hear. Never gonna complain a band plays ‘too long’ if it’s good. Sounding radio-ready as they are known to be, this 2001 midwest titan was the ripe cherry on top of a classic July music moment.
See you Sunday for the final MN Yacht Fest day this year!
