From a contest meant to encourage participation in the local music scene to a festival featuring some of Minnesota's finest songwriters, there is a little bit of everything on The Setlist this week.
In Walker, Portage Brewing is celebrating its seven-year anniversary with a variety of events, including music from folk musician Kelley Smith. She is playing Saturday at 2 p.m.
Performances for the 48 Hour Band Contest will begin at Klockow Brewing in Grand Rapids at 6 p.m. Saturday evening. The event encourages participation in bands and the local music scene. Participants will be randomly assigned bandmates on Thursday and they will have 48 hours to write 10 minutes of original music. For those interested in taking part, meet at Klockow on Thursday at 6 p.m. The Saturday performances are open to the public.
Headwaters Music & Arts is hosting a fundraising bluegrass show at The Historic Chief Theatre in Bemidji on Saturday at 7 p.m. Longtime Minnesota favorites Monroe Crossing will perform with The Swivets opening. Proceeds will go toward musical scholarships for Bemidji-area youth.
Then on Sunday, Mennesota Fest comes to the Ripple Center in Aitkin. The event, which begins at noon, will feature workshops, a Q&A and performances with musicians like Erik Koskinen, LAAMAR, Corey Medina and more.
Saturday, April 20
- Kelley Smith - 2 p.m., Portage Brewing, Walker, free
- 48 Hour Band Contest - 6 p.m., Klockow Brewing, Grand Rapids, free
- Monroe Crossing, The Swivets - 7 p.m., The Historic Chief Theatre, Bemidji, $30
Sunday, April 21
- Mennesota Fest - 12 p.m., The Ripple Center, Aitkin, $35
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
