Billy Bragg warmed up for his surprise performance at the University of Minnesota.

British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg made a surprise appearance at a labor rally on the University of Minnesota campus today. Members of AFSCME locals, representing University workers, scheduled the Rally for Affordable & Accessible Healthcare for All at noon on Northrop Mall. When organizers realized Bragg would be in Minneapolis to play The Cedar, on the very day of their rally, they fired off a long-shot request via Facebook. According to one activist who spoke at the rally, Bragg responded immediately, eager to lend his support. A well-known advocate of unions, Bragg performed "I Keep Faith" and "There is Power in a Union" before an audience of sign-wielding demonstrators. He plays a sold-out show at The Cedar tonight at 7:30 p.m.