If you’re a fan of guitars specifically, or music in general, or St. Paul, or free events at beautiful outdoor venues, you won’t want to miss the sixth annual Lowertown Guitar Festival from noon to 9 pm on Saturday, August 18th. It is happening ironically, NOT in Lowertown, but at the Spring Café at Como Lakeside Pavilion. (More on that change later, first the lineup.)
The event is full of amazing musicians; headlining is Sunny War, a folk-punk artist whose deep songs feel much older than her 20 years. It’s fun to see how she plucks the guitar and this will be a chance to see her in an unusual and intimate location before she starts playing much larger venues. Also on deck is Iraida Noriega, hailing from Mexico City with a sultry summer sound that should sound amazing at Como.
In fact, there’s a roster of musicians from near and far – Greg Koch Duo, Lonesome Dan Kase, Thomas Nordlund, Mike Michel, Siama Matuzungidi, Paul Metzger, Jake Hanson+James Buckley, Greg Herriges, Berta Rojas, MacPhail Student Ensemble and more. Metzger is an unusual local standout; he plays a modified 12-string banjo as well as a host of other instruments. He has found new ways to make music with an old world resonance. As much fun to watch as to hear.
If you’re serious about guitars, they have just added a Greg Koch Master Class from noon to 2 pm. It’s open to 25 students who for $75 will soak up Koch’s wisdom born on stage, wisdom evident in his two latest books Brave New Blues and Standard Tuning Slide Guitar.
The festival has been in Lowertown for the last five years. McNally-Smith College of Music was a big supporter. McNally-Smith’s closure last year was a game changer in the worst way. But game changers aren’t always bad.
Molly Maher, instrumental in the planning of the festival and success since its inception, started working this year with the Spring Café at Como Lake Pavilion. Maher books all of their shows, which is something else you might want to add to your calendar – early, free, family-friendly music shows. Maher’s move opened a door to a new location and the event will be a nice showcase of what they have to offer. They plan to extend the show beyond the pavilion stage with performers near the Hamm’s Waterfall, solo performers on a Dockside Stage for passers-by, a Floating Stage on Como Lake as well as acts throughout the day on the Main Stage.
If you can’t make it for the whole day, you might at least plan sunset a walk around Como Lake. It is one of the prettiest (and best sounding) sunsets in St. Paul.
For more info on the festival:
https://www.springcafestp.com/calendar/2018/8/18/lowertown-guitar-festival
~By Ann Treacy
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