A higher purpose. The block party is a fundraiser for the Basilica of St. Mary. Over the years, the event has raised $5.8 million to help with the restoration of the basilica and its outreach projects.
No issue. Some years, the Basilica Block Party has been entwined with what's going on in the world. For instance, last year's event took place right after Philando Castile was shot. In 2011, there were protests aimed at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis' support for banning same-sex marriage.
This year there was no overarching topic. But Carlile, a married lesbian, spoke about being proud to be in a state that supports same-sex marriage. And Jaedyn James, a Minneapolis soul singer, delivered a protest song about Castile's killing. Afterward she said, "I wish I never had to write that song." [One of these things is not like the other]
The Basilica Block Party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary. Today, proceeds from the event benefit The Basilica Landmark, which preserves, restores and advances the historic Basilica of Saint Mary for all generations. In addition, a portion of all proceeds from The Basilica Block Party go to The Basilica’s St. Vincent de Paul outreach program, which provides services to those in need.
For its 21st year, the Basilica Block Party has landed one of its most diverse and strongest lineups – and one that seems less curated by longtime sponsors Cities 97 radio than ever.
Friday: Weezer, Basilica’s headliner in 2010, is back with its nerdy, catchy modern-rock including “Pork and Beans” and “Beverly Hills.” Nate Ruess, the fun. frontman who has gone solo after one smash group album, will showcase the lush romantic pop heard on his 2015 solo debut, “Grand Romantic.” Cities 97 and Basilica mainstays O.A.R. and Mat Kearney return this year. Also appearing are Matthew Sweet, known for the 1991 power-pop classic “Girlfriend,” and Motion City Soundtrack, the Twin Cities power punks who fit in at many a festival.
Saturday: The hipsters are hyped for a downtown Minneapolis appearance by Wilco, the beloved Chicago rockers featuring Jeff Tweedy’s crafty songwriting and Nels Cline’s inspiring guitars. It’s just as easy to get excited about the return of the reigning Americana Music Association’s entertainer of the year, Jason Isbell, indie-rock princess Jenny Lewis (formerly of Rilo Kiley) or Los Angeles’ retro synth-soul/pop party band Fitz & the Tantrums, who are becoming Basilica regulars. Pop fans, including Cities 97’s new core audience, will likely warm up to Echosmith, sibling-band purveyors of “Cool Kids,” and 34-year-old “Fight Song” hit maker Rachel Platten. For a change, women are represented in the Basilica lineup.
... Interestingly, the basilica organist did a few organ covers of the songs on their Youtube page. Well... at least it's not during the liturgy? Yikes. Although, it's not like the organ can just be lifted up and put in another room to be used.
Honestly I'd be more likely to be seen at the Basilica Block Party than at Lifest. I know! I'm a dirty, rotten pagan. But at least there's no "Rock Mass" involved.
