Local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

Cat Power's label announced the September release of 'Sun,' her first new album of original material in six years. Hear the breezy, poppy new single, "Ruin."

It’s time. In what has now become an annual tradition, the Walker Art Center has released its time-lapse video of Rock the Garden, which shows the grassy field next to the museum swell with over 10,000 people in the course of an afternoon. This year, they’ve upped the ante by sandwiching the time-lapse footage into…

Influential musicians from the past 20 years of Minnesota rock rallied behind one of their own

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.