Friday, August 29, 2008

Summer Serenade

                        Babes in Toyland, 1995

For a brief period in the nineties the end of August brought those of us living in the Minneapolis area a street party known as CedarFest. Held in what was long a 'bohemian' area of town- The West Bank- this free event had dozens of bands which were picked for their potential, not their achievements. Mike Doughty and Soul Coughing, G. Love, Jonny Lang when he was still a kid, Frank Black and many more musical hipsters. The sun was hot, the crowds were cool. If you weren't of age, this was a great chance to see bands that usually only played in clubs. If you were, you could even get a beer or two...

... Which was the end of it. Someone OD'ed on alcohol, and the event's organizers were sued for allowing him to be 'overserved.' A lawsuit that, even if you were successful in defending yourself, would bankrupt all but the richest pockets. There are still a few free festivals, but they specialize in Oldies acts and are usually pretty tame.

By Professor Batty


3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I finally get to see the Babes in Toyland photo we have talked about! That brings me back to being 19, with Kip in tow, to watch the show... (God he hated Babes in Toyland, my fav band at the time) It was so much fun, such great music, fantastic atmosphere. It really is a shame that this festival is only a memory...


Blogger Annie said...

Arfgh! I spent my youth wishing I was watching a Babes in Toyland gig.

Hopefully they will reform for my visit.


Blogger Professor Batty said...

... well, maybe Kat will be out of the workhouse (DUI), but I think that Maureen wouldn't do it. I wasn't a fan, but they were a lot of fun to see live.

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