Brandi Carlile's greatest gift is that she is an exquisite singer. She can be tough and she can be tender with ease. Her vocals are never forced. She is always in her comfort zone, without all the vocal gymnastics of many of today's pop stars.

One of the most successful break-out bands for Minnesota in the past decade and a half, Motion City Soundtrack popularized the pop punk sound in the late '90s. They struck a chord in a young demographic that quickly started a MCS bonanza with high-profile live shows and a string of successful records which have already sold a combined half a million copies.

The beatiful weather was just one of many highlights at this year’s Rock the Garden. Though it was initially predicted that it would rain and maybe even storm Saturday, the sky stayed blue and the atmosphere sunny and hot for the entirety of the afternoon. Here’s a play-by-play of Saturday’s performances, including set lists from…

Rock the Garden 2012 was a huge success — thanks to all who attended! Here’s some behind-the-scenes shots and other images of the crowd and the Walker Art Center field from throughout the day. Enjoy! All photos by Nate Ryan.  

Updated! 3 different crowd views

Rock the Garden headliners and quasi-hometown heroes the Hold Steady delivered a rousing set full of hits and fan favorites, interspersed with wonderfully over-the-top inspirational stage banter from frontman Craig Finn. Check out this slideshow from the band’s performance! All photos by Nate Ryan.

Duluth-based punk-bluegrass juggernauts Trampled by Turtles have long been a Current fan favorite, and their superb set at Rock the Garden provided the perfect soundtrack as the day slid into the sun-kissed early evening hours. Enjoy this slideshow from the quintet’s performance! All photos by Nate Ryan.

On Saturday, Doomtree became the first hip-hop act to play Rock the Garden, and judging from their incendiery set — and its rapturous reception from fans — they certainly won’t be the last. Enjoy this slideshow from the crew’s performance. All photos by Nate Ryan  

tUne-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus delivered one of the days most vibrant and spirited sets, backed by an impressive array of musicians who helped bring her music to life in all of its eccentric and eclectic glory. Enjoy this slideshow from the band’s performance! All photos by Nate Ryan.

Howler’s charged, rollicking opening set at Rock the Garden 2012 was a huge hit with the crowd. Check out this slideshow from the band’s performance! All photos by Nate Ryan.