MANKATO — One of the places June busts out the loudest is at Civic Center Plaza.
The 22nd annual Songs on the Lawn will bring in a collection of performers and food vendors to downtown 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is free.
This year’s four bands are split evenly between first-timers and returners, though a few years usually pass before a band is asked back, said Liz Sharp, director of business events and sales. The plan is to hit different musical forms so throughout the month people hear what they like.
“We start looking at bands November-December, so we give ourselves a little bit of a break after Songs on the Lawn (ends),” she said. Ideas come from the internal team, some outside businesses and promoters looking to get their clients booked.
Even though it’s a midday gig, there’s little trouble getting bands, Sharp said.
“Some will take the day off (from daytime jobs) and come down. We look at bands coming from the south metro and south, so they’re not coming from far away.” Some bands only perform at night, which takes them out of the running.
The concert series is presented by Greater Mankato Growth with Xcel Energy. Food vendors are GMG members who move quickly when the year’s events are announced. Those who clinch the opportunity get some face time with the hundreds who fill downtown ramps that are open free for parking, she said. Variety is also the key with food, hoping attendees can find whatever they’re looking for.
This year’s lineup for food, beverages and desserts includes ATOM Hospitality, Beans Coffee Company, Frozen Yogurt Creations, Massad’s, Pub 500, The Loose Moose Saloon and Conference Center, and Wooden Spoon.
Other businesses will purchase general booths to raise consumer awareness through handouts, games and conversations. “And they give away promotional items, so the attendees that are in the park really like that,” Sharp said.
It all starts Thursday with the local country/rock/cover band Loose Gravel. Songs on the Lawn first-timers, the band based out of Mankato advertises itself as playing “music people love to listen to … classic hits … music for dancing!” Although music oftentimes is a backdrop and not main draw for the event, that certainly describes what makes for a great outdoors lunch.
On June 12 the tune changes just a bit when The Federales gallop in with their country rock mix for a return performance. The Minneapolis-based collaboration between seven longtime friends and players has been performing their Midwestern country rock and roll music since 2012.
Legend tells it the band formed when guitarist James Gould and songwriter Ben Miller ran into each other at parties, often wandering off to talk about Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons or the Flying Burrito Brothers. When they gathered like-minded musicians, they formed the band to capture “the warm sonic textures of the ‘60s and ‘70s,” according to their website.
June 19 brings in Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League with up-tempo, swing and jazz music, the perfect mix to send you back to work with a bounce in your step. They describe themselves as one part hot club jazz, one part modern songwriting, one part infectious enthusiasm and one part hot pickin’ swing.
Closing out the month on June 26 is Joyann Parker Band, described as Americana and blues behind powerful smoky vocalist, guitarist and pianist Parker. She brings her five-member band to back her up to a venue that seems perfect for her sound.
The Dakota in Minneapolis describes her this way: “Joyann’s journey as a musician has been marked by relentless dedication and a commitment to honing her craft. It goes on to say she leaves “an indelible mark wherever she performs.”
Like the North Mankato Fun Days Parade, some people spread a blanket or put out their chair in the plaza early in the day, she said. The excitement makes for a popular family-friendly break in the day.