The Current and the Walker Art Center present Rock the Garden - Saturday, June 20, 2009.
Featuring The Decemberists, Calexico, Yeasayer, and Solid Gold.
The Decemberists have carried their ambitious, theatrical pop to new heights with the critically acclaimed 17-song rock opera, The Hazards of Love. Onstage, Meloy's captivating story-songs are matched by the band's consummate showmanship. Calexico are restless musical adventurers, mining the expansive landscapes and histories of the American Southwest; their latest, Carried to Dust, has been hailed as a fresh burst of experimental folk-pop. Trafficking in what they call "Middle Eastern-psych-pop-snap-gospel," the Brooklyn-based Yeasayer merges spirituals and synthesizers in propulsive, polyrhythmic songs; they conjure ancient traditions while looking toward an alternately bleak and bright future in songs such as "2080," which put the band on numerous critics' radar. Jump-starting the Garden party are local electro-rockers Solid Gold, who are buzzing and busting worldwide. During a recent UK tour, NME described their hit "Get Over It" as "exquisite spectral disco and a slow-burn favourite in the making."
Listen to the Rock the Garden Recap Tracks:
- Solid Gold
"Armoured Cars," "Calm Down," "Bible Thumper," "Get Over It" - Yeasayer
"Tightrope," "Wait for the Summer," "Sunrise," "2080" - Calexico
"Alone Again," "Bend To The Road," "Jesus & Tequila," "House Of Valparaiso," "Two Silver Trees" - The Decemberists
"Hazards Of Love," "The Rake Song," "The Queen's Rebuke," "The Wanting Comes In Waves," "Crazy On You."
Photos: Eamon Coyne; Videos: Chuck Olsen
Details:
This summer's must-see concert is bigger and better! With a new stage set-up, concertgoers can spread out on the Walker's grassy hillside overlooking the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Enjoy the substance and shimmer of four of indie rock's brightest stars–The Decemberists, Calexico, Yeasayer and Solid Gold.
Between sets, enjoy live broadcasts and music from The Current's DJs, stroll through the world-famous sculpture garden, and sample an expanded mix of food, beer, and other refreshments for sale. This all-ages, rain-or-shine party is sure to be a sell-out! Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Schedule- Gates open, 3:00 p.m.
- Solid Gold, 4:30 p.m.
- Yeasayer, 5:45 p.m.
- Calexico, 7:00 p.m.
- The Decemberists, 8:30 p.m.
- Music ends, 10:00 p.m.
- Gates close, 11:00 p.m.
Parking
Parking is limited in area lots and on the street. Paid event parking is available in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden lot. (The Vineland Place underground ramp is closed to the public.) Parking is also available at St Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and Dunwoody Institute. If you live in the area, please walk, bike, or take public transportation (Metro Transit bus lines: 4, 6, 12, and 25).
Biking
Bike racks will be located on Hennepin Avenue and will provide bike parking for 500+ bikes. Bike racks are generously provided by Dero.
Eats
Enjoy cold beverages from Summit Brewing Company and Jerry's Fresh Cherry Lemonade, cool off with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and select from an array of food by Holy Land, Vincent-A Restaurant, Joe's Garage, and Taulelle Concessions. Food and beverages will be on sale from 3-10:30 p.m. . ID required to purchase alcohol.
Tickets
All ticket sales are final. Orders received by June 13 will be mailed; all other ticket orders will be held at Will Call in the Walker's Hennepin Lobby.
Other
Rock the Garden will be held rain or shine; however, staff reserves the right to cancel the event or part of the event due to severe weather.
This event may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Walker and/or The Current. Ticket holders consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the Walker and The Current.
No outside food or beverages allowed in the event. No lawn furniture, coolers, or pets. All bags subject to search.
Walker Hours
Due to Rock the Garden preparation, the Walker galleries and Gallery 8 Cafe will be closed this Saturday.
20.21 Restaurant & Bar is still open regular hours (11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ; 5:30-11 p.m.).
The Walker Shop is also open (limited hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). And during the concert, stop by our tent for all the Rock the Garden and band merchandise.
Lead sponsor![]() | Media partner![]() | Official beer![]() |
Supporting sponsors![]() | ![]() |
VIP Gorilla Garden sponsor![]() |
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a project of the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.
Rock the Garden is proud to be a zero-waste event in partnership with Eureka Recycling.
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Video
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