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What songs are you hoping to hear at Rock the Garden 2014?

by Barb Abney

June 20, 2014

I’ll admit it, I’m spoiled.

In 2011, when we announced the Rock the Garden line-up, Tapes ‘n Tapes played a brief, live set here at the Current. After the announcement , I asked vocalist Josh Grier if they ever played “In Houston” during their live sets, as I’d never been to a show where they played it. He joked that they’d add it to their Rock the Garden setlist. Imagine my surprise when I hear them call me out from the stage that they were about to play my request! I was a bit shocked and ever so grateful to finally hear them play my favorite track of theirs!

As this year's Rock the Garden keeps getting closer and closer, I keep hearing myself say “Man, I hope they play that at Rock the Garden.” I imagine you’re thinking the same thing. I wonder what it would look like if we collectively chose an artist’s setlist. Most RTG artists will spend an average of 45 minutes on stage, so we can’t just suggest that Dessa play her entire catalog, as there’s simply not enough time.

Here’s mine…

Saturday

Lizzo: “Batches & Cookies” and “Paris,” and a special hope that a couple of her pals will jump on stage for GRRRL PRTY's “Wegula.”

Jeremy Messersmith: “Dillinger Eyes,” “Miracles,” and “Hitman.”

Best Coast: “Boyfriend” and “Why I Cry.”

Matt and Kim: “Ready? OK,” “Cameras,” and “Let’s Go.”

De la Soul: “A Rollerskating Jam Named Saturdays,” “Me, Myself and I,” and “Squat.”

Sunday

Valerie June: “You Can't Be Told” and “Pushin' Against a Stone.”

Kurt Vile & the Violators: “Jesus Fever,” “Wakin' On A Pretty Day,” and “Never Run Away.”

Dessa: I would like to see “Mineshaft” and “Mineshaft 2” flow seamlessly from one to the next. I celebrate this artist’s entire catalog and will thrill at each selection, guaranteed!

Guided By Voices: “Cut-out Witch,” “I am a Scientist” and “I Am A Tree,” “Useless Inventions,” and “My Valuable Hunting Knife.”

Spoon: “Car Radio,” “Everything Hits At Once,” “All The Pretty Girls Go To The City,” and “I Turn My Camera on.”

Now...what songs would you like to see/hear performed at Rock the Garden this year?

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.