Used to be the thing I would get most excited about at Taste of Minnesota was the prospect of landing a really good parking spot near Harriet Island (a native St. Paulite, I know my way around). Not this year. As I plan out my coverage of tomorrow's opening day, I have to say I'm looking forward to the whole thing. For new/indie/adventurous music lovers, it really could be one of the best days of live music this year -- and it is indeed a whole day. There's not a lull from 12:30 p.m. (when funky soul-rock band Earl Greyhound plays, followed by another terrific Earle, Justin Townes) to 10 p.m. (when Atmosphere's headlining set will end). In between are a bunch of great local bands, one of my favorite acts of the '00s, the Walkmen (6 p.m.), and probably one of my top two or three favorites of the '10s so far, Dawes (5 p.m.). Those of you who saw them open for Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros at First Ave last month need no introduction, but for those who do, this raw live clip below is a good example of how soulful and warm their live sets can be. Click here for more proof. The rootsy Los Angeles band only has one album to its name, and I can't wait to hear more. Dawes is also playing Lollapalooza in Chicago next month.