The music scene is negatively affected by the economy. True music fans need to make supporting the local music scene a priority if we want the clubs to be here when we come out of the economic downturn we’re experiencing now. Giving up one Starbucks/Caribbou/Dunn Brothers Latte will pay your ticket at the door to many shows in town.

Taste of Minnesota positive improvements make me optimistic about the event maintaining a “family friendly” environment. Great rock acts and the new rules guarantee my family and I will be there this year.

The Mayor of St. Paul is recommending that the budget to the Arts programs be cut in order to pay for an INCREASED budget to the library. While the library IS important, so is the Music In The Park Series, The Children’s Museum, Stepping Stone Theatre, MPR and many other arts programs in St. Paul. Please ask City Council to allocate funds fairly among the library and all the other arts and cultural programs. Here’s a sample message and all the contacts you need.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock. There will be hundreds of Tributes to Woodstock across the country this August. So you might as well block off the weekend of August 15-16 right now. The one I’ll be at is the Twin Cities School of Rock Woodstock Tribute concert at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. A FREE concert. Starts at noon. Great family activity. Pack a picnic lunch and share the story of Woodstock with your kids!