** Twin Cities ** FUN.....Here We Come....... :-)

The Belfast Cowboys are a highly acclaimed nine-piece Minneapolis-based band of elite local players, widely praised for their high-energy, horn-driven performances of Van Morrison's music, rock, soul, and original tunes. They regularly perform in front of large crowds. belfastcowboys.com

*** NOTE: NEW LOCATION – close to the old location, the Durkees’ front lawn. This year the concerts will be at the St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, which is around the corner and down the block from the Durkee residence.
The church building is at the corner of W. Luther Place and Como Ave. The performance area will be set up on the W. Luther Place side of the building, with a portion of W. Luther Place shut down for the performance. The seating area for the audience will be in the street and on the lawn of the Luther Seminary (now in process of downsizing physically and relocating).
BE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR.

There is a large parking lot along the side of the lawn that can be used for parking, as well as street parking.

Church restrooms will be open for use by those in attendance.

This performance is a fundraiser for Foothold Twin Cities, which is a non-profit that provides one-time emergency assistance to Minnesota families in crisis. 100% of donations go to families.
There is no charge to attend, but donations to Foothold Twin Cities are encouraged. There will most likely be a pass-the-hat collection, and/or perhaps
Information on using Venmo, or something similar.

Favourite Girl is the new Femme-forward rock/pop band led by British songwriter Katy Vernon. Here's how my Google AI answer described them: "Known for its feminist resistance rock, the band features melodic folk-pop influences, 60s-inspired girl group energy, and strong, empowering lyrics." I heard them for the first time a few months ago. That sounds about right. Simply put: they're good.
Link for sampling of their brand new album: https://katyvernon.bandcamp.com/album/favourite-girl and to a full set at Como Conservatory last summer: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa2QdQEQc-RI9ibnjKZXDZHGY4MxQTIRv

Tyte Phitt puts on a sustained high energy show of Ole- and New-School Funk, R&B, Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop, and Classic Rock.
I saw them for the first time recently and had a fantastic time dancing to their covers, including some of my favorites.
For sampling: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063574232941&sk=reels_tab and https://www.youtube.com/@GerryFrancisMN/search?query=tyte%20phitt (1st 4 videos only)

Feel free to join in dancing or not, with or without a partner. It's typically a fun group-dance happening at Lake Harriet.

Parking:
Pay parking in nearby lots. I can usually find a free spot on the street on the neighborhood just to the west of the bandshell area, on Queen Ave. S.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, water, cash and credit card (probably both is best) for parking, or food at the concession area (the Bread and Pickle), or possibly a food truck. "Cash is king" but sometimes credit cards are required for parking, and for vendors who don't like large sums of cash on hand.
Mosquito repellant may or may not be needed (your guess is as good as mine).
I use ear plugs when dancing near the band (your call, of course).

Weather:
In case of rain: monitor the Minneapolis Parks Music in the Parks Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mplsmusicmovies/ .
If/when I find out about any cancellation or go-ahead the day of this event I'll post a comment on this page with information as soon as I am able.

How to find us:
As you face the stage from the audience look to your right, and behind you, in a shaded area, by the small hill. I look like my photo. I'll be wearing my orange-green-red-yellow "jungle leaves" design cap. Look for a 5 ft. green pole with a blue pennant on it. It'll be near us.

Swingin' on a Star band self-description:
Swingin' On a Star plays the joyous music of the Great American Songbook: the music of Ellington, Ella, Gershwin, and others. Most of our songs swing, but we also do Latin numbers, waltzes, ballads, and blues. It is all very danceable, but many folks just like to sit, listen and enjoy.
The band's website:
https://swinginonastarband.com/

Market Square Park is a little (quarter-acre) town square style public mini-park set smack dab in the middle of the Village at Mendota Heights commercial development.

Mendota Heights Music in the Parks website:
https://www.mendotaheightsmn.gov/438/Music-in-the-Park

Dance lesson starts at 5:00 PM. I'll be there by 4:30 PM.
Get there early, if you can, for introductions and conversation before the music starts.

Dancing is optional, though encouraged.
I'll be dancing to at least some of the songs.
Join me!
Maybe someone has an idea of a nearby after-music watering hole - or ice cream at nearby Cold Stone Creamery?

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Seating isn't supplied. In the past we've been able to sit at a picnic table. That may or may not be an option this year.

Parking:
I'm expecting the free on-street parking to be plentiful, but if not I see there's a free public parking lot nearby, near the intersection of Linden and Market Streets.

Rest Rooms:
I expect that there won't be port-a-potties. In past years, the nearby restaurants - Tommy Chicago's, Ze's Diner, and Coldstone Creamery - have been very open to members of the public using their restrooms during Music in the Park events.
Naturally, they most likely prefer that you buy something from them, but that they will still allow you to use their restrooms if you don't.

Food options:
I don't expect there to be food trucks.
In past years, Tommy Chicago's (has been open until 8 PM) had pizza-by-the-slice, Ze's Diner was open until 8 PM, and Cold Stone Creamery until 9 PM. These three are all right there near the park.

In Case of Inclement Weather:
I'll monitor, and feel free to do so yourself, Mendota Heights Parks and Rec's Facebook page in the event of cancellation due to weather:
https://www.facebook.com/MHParksandRec/
I'll add a comment on this page as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation or delay due to the weather.

How to find us:
I look like my photo. I usually sit further back from the music so as to facilitate conversation. I like convenient access to the dance area, though, also. Look for, near us, a green pole with a blue pennant it. I'll keep an eye out for anyone who looks like they might be looking for us.