Lowertown Block Party

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More About

• Lowertown
• Irv Williams
• Jimmi Langemo
• Train Travel
• Transportation

You might think that an endless summer's worth of street-blocking light rail construction and utility tinkering would put a damper on Lowertown's recent entertainment growth trend. But aside from the sadly postponed Minnesota sur Seine Festival, the St. Paul neighborhood has only expanded its free live music offerings. And considering that this is the fifth year the Black Dog's hosted the Lowertown Block Party, it looks like it's here to stay. This time around, the all-day lineup is one of its busiest and most diverse: Musicians include blues-rock artist Jimmi Langemo and the Band of Souls, ageless local jazz icon Irv Williams, Celtic eclecticists Long Straight Forever, the Brazilian percussion of Batucada do Norte, hip-hop confessionalist Kristoff Krane, jazz-fusion supergroup Ursus Minor, and many others. There'll also be an outdoor art fair and an exhibit of community-themed work inside the Black Dog proper, as well as an expanded menu of the coffeehouse's organically minded fare. The light rail project might have a significant impact on the neighborhood, but this block party proves there's more than one way to be constructive. All ages. (Pictured: Ursus Minor)
Sun., July 25, 2-9 p.m., 2010