Not sure if you can call it an upgrade, but it looks as if the new owners of the Taste of Minnesota are moving the notoriously geriatric 4th of July week bash on Harriet Island out of the '60s, '70s and '80s and into the '90s... although the bands they're lining up still seem to be pretty well cemented in has-been status.
Taste organizers have yet to make an official announcement about any of their 2010 acts, but the Offspring, 311 and Gin Blossoms have all included Taste on their summer tour itineraries. The Offspring ("Come Out and Play") and 311 ("Amber") are actually touring together all summer, so they're both booked to play the St. Paul fest on the same night, July 5, the Monday holiday when most people will have the day off. The Gin Blossoms ("Hey Jealousy") were the headliner of Minneapolis' own dated city-sponsored fest (the Aquatennial) last year and are scheduled to perform again on the Fourth, setting up a tough choice for modern-rock fans between them and the Hold Steady's show that night at First Ave. Hmmmm....?
In truth, both the Offspring and 311 maintain pretty dedicated followings, each big enough to at least fill the Roy Wilkins Auditorium on their own. Compared to Gary "Dream Weaver" Wright and Barry "Greg Brady" Williams, you'd have to definitely call them a step up. Even if they were two of the least-inventive and goofiest rock bands with mega-hits in the '90s.
There's another curious name down for Taste of MN 2010, one that's actually a very current and exciting new band: Los Angeles country-rockers Dawes also list Harriet Island on their tour itinerary for July 2. Those guys blew me away at the Triple Rock this winter and again at the SXSW fest with their soulful harmonies and sophisticated twangy-hippie arrangements, and they're getting ample airplay on the Current and even a little Cities 97. Count me in for that one at least.
